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OK universities hire few Republicans in any field

Tulsa Beacon

While colleges are typically perceived as dominated by left-wing faculty, a common stereotype holds that Democrats are particularly common in the humanities fields while more ideological diversity is present in the hard sciences. But a recent review shows that Oklahoma’s two major universities hire few Republicans in any field, including those within the science, technology,…

Oklahoma House, Senate advance School-Board Election Reforms

Tulsa Beacon

Committees in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the state Senate have advanced bills that would move school-board elections to the November ballot to dramatically increase voter participation. House Bill 1151, by state Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, would shift school board elections to June and November from the current February and April election dates….

BAPS going to new hybrid school calendar

Tulsa Beacon

After months of research and community engagement, Broken Arrow Public Schools approved a hybrid instructional calendar that maintains a five-day school week, rather than transitioning to a four-day week for the 25-26 school year. The proposed calendar was voted on  and approved at their Feb. 10 meeting. Seeking possible solutions for the worsening teaching shortage,…

House committee passes “Bell to Bell” No Cell legislation

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Education Oversight Committee today passed legislation that prohibits the use of cell phones by students during the school day. The legislation is the first bill to be heard and considered in the House’s new two-tiered committee structure and is expected to be heard on the floor later this week. Chairman…

Tax Credit for Pregnancy Resource Center Donations Advances

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, on Tuesday advanced legislation that would allow a 70% tax credit for any taxpayer contributing to a pregnancy resource center beginning in tax year 2026. House Bill 1201 would cap credits at $50,000 for individuals and $5 million in total for the state annually, but excess could be…

Lauria and Ashley’s Law Passes First Committee

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, today secured committee passage of a bill that would add accessory to murder in the first or second degree to the list of crimes that would require an offender to serve 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for consideration for parole. Those convicted also would not…

Weather strikes back in January

Tulsa Beacon

Like the villain in a ‘90s action movie, winter struck back with a vengeance in January following the unusual warmth that closed out 2024. Several strong cold fronts delivered blustery winds, snow, ice, and some of the coldest air the state had seen since the generational freeze of January 2021. The first major bout of…

OSU A&M President Shrum’s resigns suddenly

Tulsa Beacon

OSU A&M Board of Regents accepts President Shrum’s resignation (STILLWATER, Okla. Feb. 5, 2025) — The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents has accepted the resignation of President Kayse Shrum, effective Feb. 3, and released the following statement: “We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Shrum for her dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment to students,…

Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame inductee brings over four decades of experience to role

Tulsa Beacon

(STILLWATER, Okla. Feb. 7, 2025) — The OSU/A&M Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Dr. Jim Hess as interim president of Oklahoma State University following a special board meeting Friday in Stillwater. “The board is confident that Dr. Hess will provide the steady leadership needed to continue advancing OSU’s momentum and its land-grant…

“Oklahoma Gardening” celebrates golden anniversary

Tulsa Beacon

STILLWATER, Okla. – For half a century, gardening enthusiasts have tuned in to the television show “Oklahoma Gardening” for cutting-edge information, tips and inspirational ideas. Kicking off the 50th season of the popular program on Feb. 15, the show will continue providing viewers with the latest horticulture information while celebrating the past and looking to…