News

Billions in waste, zero oversight: DOGE reveals what Congress refused to see at taxpayer expense

May 22, 2025 Byron Schlomach

There is an important lesson that President Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has to teach elected bodies all over the country. Unfortunately, it’s a lesson few have mentioned explicitly. If you’ve asked this question of yourself, you’ve already understood the lesson. The question is: Why wasn’t there already an agency…

Oklahoma lawmakers continue to focus on regulatory reform

May 22, 2025 Ray Carter

Only a day after passing a major bill to reduce future state regulations, lawmakers have approved two more measures that could also generate significant culling of government regulation in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 995, by state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom and state Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, prohibits any new state agency regulations from taking effect unless they are…

How much do Tulsa residents care about buying American?

May 22, 2025

A new study on behalf of Trace One has identified the U.S. states and designated market areas (DMAs) with the greatest interest in American-made goods. As foreign trade policies shift under new federal initiatives, interest in American-made products is on the rise. With the recent announcement of a “reciprocal” tariff plan by the Trump Administration,…

Atteberry, Norwood win in May 13 Special Elections

May 22, 2025

On Tuesday, May 13th the slates for the two June 10th Special House elections were decided. The Republican sides of the ballot were down to two candidates each in this runoff. These special House elections were caused by the resignation of two House members after they won the November election. They resigned to take County…

Memorial Day events at Floral Haven Cemetary

May 22, 2025

Floral Haven’s 53rd Annual Memorial Day Weekend honors our nation’s veterans and celebrates the 53rd anniversary of the Avenue of Flags. This meaningful weekend is a time to remember, pay tribute, and come together in shared gratitude. Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM Volunteers from American Legion Post #308 place small flags on…

Oklahoma Substance Use Disorder Providers Call for Answers Regarding Owed Funding

May 22, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY, May 20, 2025 — More alarm bells are ringing regarding the Department of Mental Health after a coalition of 12 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment providers notified legislative leaders Monday they are collectively owed more than $8 million by ODMHSAS amid the agency’s chaotic budget crisis. The dozen providers—which comprise more than 81%…

Bill to Prevent Men from Being Housed in Women’s Prisons Signed into Law

May 22, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill protecting the privacy rights of incarcerated women has been signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt. Senate Bill 418 requires the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to designate restrooms, changing areas and sleeping quarters exclusively for either female or male inmates. This legislation was authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie…

Governor Signs Blair’s Child Abduction Prevention Bill into Law

May 22, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Children at risk of being taken or concealed during custody disputes will now have stronger legal protections under House Bill 2081, authored by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and recently signed into law. HB2081 creates the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act, allowing courts to step in with preventative measures when there is credible…

Ban on DEI in OK colleges passes House

May 15, 2025 Ray Carter

By a margin of nearly four to one, members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives have voted to make permanent a ban on mandatory “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programs at Oklahoma colleges. “Individually, we don’t have a problem with each word: ‘diversity,’ ‘equity,’ ‘inclusion,’” said state Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont (pictured above). “But…

Lawmakers vote to allow Christians to serve as foster parents

May 15, 2025 Ray Carter

Christian couples could not be barred from serving as foster or adoptive parents based on their religious beliefs under legislation approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Senate Bill 658, by state Sen. Julie Daniels and state Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, says that the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) cannot require any current or…