The Oklahoma Senate approved a bill affirming biological sex at birth. Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, is the author. Senate Bill 1100 would require the biological sex designation on Oklahoma birth certificates to be listed as either male or female, outlawing the use of “X” or any other symbol to represent a nonbinary designation. “This measure…
The American Quarter Horse could become Oklahoma’s official state horse after legislation advanced through the House. House Bill 3261, authored by Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula, names the American Quarter Horse as the state horse of Oklahoma in recognition of the value of the breed to Oklahomans. “The American Quarter Horse has had a significant role…
The Senate approved a pair of law enforcement bills to streamline services and improve training, while also providing better mental health support for Oklahoma’s public safety personnel. The measures, authored by Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, were recommended by the Unified State Law Enforcement Commission, which is made up of the state’s top public safety officials,…
A bipartisan measure to remove barriers to employment for Oklahomans released from prison passed the House, 82-10. HB3002, by Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-OKC, and Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, amends the requirements and qualifications for five occupational licenses. The licensure changes involve the Oklahoma scrap metal dealers, the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, motor vehicle dealers,…
The Senate Judiciary Committee gave approval to HB2972, a measure that would make it easier for Oklahomans to access a medical exemption for jury duty. Authored by Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, the legislation would add physician assistants (PA) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) to the list of approved medical personnel authorized to provide a…
Property owners in and around historic Downtown Jenks are upset at plans by Jenks City Government to change the zoning to restrict what can be built and limit categories of commercial growth. The Jenks City Planning Director has said that the aim of the plan is to keep the historic aspect of downtown Jenks and…
Cox Media Group of Atlanta, Georgia, has agreed to sell 12 television stations – including KOKI/KMYT of Tulsa – to the general entertainment cable network INSP. When the deal is closed, will have sold these stations to INSP: Alexandria, Louisiana – KLAX Binghamton, New York – WICZ Eureka, California – KIEM/KVIQ-LD Greenwood, Mississippi – WABG/WNBD/WXVT…
STILLWATER – As the April 18 filing deadline approaches, there are some important items taxpayers need to keep in mind as they get ready to file their tax returns. “In general, you want to look at all the pieces that apply to you,” said JC Hobbs, Oklahoma State University Extension associate specialist for farm management…
OU Health is bringing the first computer-aided triage system approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center. The new technology accelerates diagnosis and treatment when someone with a suspected stroke arrives at the center. The software uses a cloud-based artificial…
WASHINGTON, D.C. – There are those out there – men and women alike — who dye their hair when it starts to turn gray. It makes them look younger. But among the trendy younger set, a gray, white or salt-and-pepper look is in style, according to Rebecca Weber, CEO of the Association of Mature American…