Filed by Ben Allen in Feature.
August 3, 2012

Monday

Oklahoma appeared to get a free deal when 2,000 inmates from California moved into a private prison in Sayre. But then a riot at the North Fork Correctional Facility erupted.

“Now this riot will create substantial costs to us,” says Beckham County District Attorney Dennis Smith. “It’s already added a strain.” 

State Impact Oklahoma’s Logan Layden reports on what the riot might cost the county.

Tuesday

In Part 2 of the series, Logan looks at the economic benefits of a private prison.  2,000 workers require a lot of guards, who want to eat out, get a drink, and have a place to sleep.

“It’s more vibrant,” said Lori Herring, a local business owner.

Now, California is planning to move their inmates back to to the Golden State. What will happen to the town of Sayre? Logan searches for some answers.

Wednesday

If President Obama’s health care law goes into effect in 2014, each state will have to establish a health care exchange. Oklahoma already has a model, one that has been talked about as a potential solution.

KOSU’s Michael Cross asks: What is Insure Oklahoma? 

Thursday

It’s been a deadly year for oil and gas workers. Almost every year is a deadly year, but since October 2011, nine have died on the job in Oklahoma.

“The industry is not forgiving when it comes to the equipment that they use. It’s big, and it moves fast,” said David Bates, the Oklahoma director for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Back to State Impact, this time Joe Wertz, explains how the situation has deteriorated and what’s getting done to prevent further problems. 

Friday

At one time a minister, Steve Smith decided to go a completely different route. It involved balloons, and costumes, and maybe some goofy shoes. It’s part of This Land Press on KOSU. To hear the story, click here.