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Applications now be accepted for Free STEM Summer Academies on college campuses

Tulsa Beacon

This summer, middle and high school students can experience life on a college campus while exploring exciting fields of study at the free 2025 Summer Academies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM Summer Academies, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, are open to upcoming eighth- through 12th-graders. Each academy explores the…

The Utility Rate Payer Protection Bill Passes House

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill seeking to protect utility customers from paying higher rates because of 2021’s Winter Storm Uri unanimously passed in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday. Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, authored House Bill 1220, which would prohibit municipalities that have franchise agreements with utility companies from assessing those fees and taxes…

OK income-tax repeal moves ahead in House

Tulsa Beacon

Oklahomans could see the personal income tax fully eliminated through a gradual phaseout process under legislation that has cleared its first legislative hurdle. House Bill 1539, by state Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, would cut the state’s personal income-tax rate by a quarter point each time that net state revenue increases by at least $300 million….

Tulsa commission suggests 24.9 million in reparations

Tulsa Beacon

The City of Tulsa’s Beyond Apology Commission has recommended a first phase of reparations for the Tulsa Race Riot.  The 24.9 million dollar reparations would be for home and land ownership, home improvements and area development for the survivors, the descendants of victims and relevant parts of North Tulsa. Education, financial compensation and economic development…

2026 Governor’s race begins

Tulsa Beacon

Governor Kevin Stitt will be term limited at the end of his current term in 2026. The 2026 governors race is beginning to shape up with  Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Leisa Mitchell Haynes, and former Speaker of the Oklahoma House Charles McCall announcing their campaigns. Drummond announced his campaign on Jan. 13th, he is currently…

Jenks Schools says: ‘Gender’ lesson an enrollment mistake

Tulsa Beacon

During a recent weather-related “virtual” day in the Jenks school district, some parents got a glimpse of course content—and didn’t like what they saw. One lesson informed students that sex and gender are two different things. Images from that online course quickly spread on social media. A Jenks spokesman says that course content is the…

House Passes REINS Act

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2728, a measure designed to enhance transparency and legislative oversight in the state’s administrative rulemaking process. House Bill 2728, authored by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, creates the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, modeled after similar federal…

Bill to Increase Classroom Funding Passes Subcommittee

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, on Wednesday passed legislation in committee that would require state public schools to spend at least 60% of their funding in the classroom. House Bill 1280 passed the House Appropriations & Budget Education Subcommittee, which Caldwell chairs. It now moves to full A&B. “This bill prioritizes our kids,…

Bill to Enhance OTA’s Transparency and Accountability Advances

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1939, authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, passed the Transportation Committee today. The bill is a legislative initiative that aims to increase transparency, collaboration and accountability in the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s (OTA) decision-making processes. The bill also seeks to ensure that turnpike projects undergo thorough studies and extensive public engagement…

Tedford’s Health Care and Joint Custody Bills Advance

Tulsa Beacon

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two key bills authored by Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, have passed committee votes, advancing efforts to expand health care flexibility and promote balanced parental involvement in child custody cases. House Bill 1512, which passed in the Appropriations and Budget General Government Subcommittee, would establish a state health care marketplace to replace the…