News

Jenks students win in C-SPAN Documentary Competition

March 23, 2023

WASHINGTON (March 15, 2023) – Today C-SPAN announced that students at Jenks High School in Jenks, Oklahoma are winners in C-SPAN’s national 2023 StudentCam competition. The following students have won prizes: Sophia Smith and Jacob Shaddock will receive $3,000 as first prize winners for the documentary, “Unearthing the Options,” about the future of death care…

Pruning is imperative for good tree and shrub health

March 23, 2023

Despite it still being coats, hats and gloves weather, there are some outside chores gardeners need to do before spring planting season arrives. Pruning, although not necessary every year, is an important part of tree and shrub health and can improve functionality. It also keeps the landscape looking neat and cared for. Now through late…

Healthy plants need healthy soil

March 23, 2023

Most people don’t think twice about checking the oil in their vehicle, making sure there’s enough gas in the tank or ensuring the tires are at the proper pressure before heading out on the open road. Gardening is no different. Making sure the soil has everything it needs to grow beautiful flowers, shrubs, trees and…

SQ 820 goes up in smoke

March 16, 2023

State Question 820, to allow recreational use of marijuana, was soundly defeated in Oklahoma with a state wide vote showing 38.33% for and 61.67% against on Tuesday, March 7. These are preliminary unofficial numbers from the State Election Board with 100% of the vote tabulated. The certification process takes time. The state question was voted…

OK Senate restricts pornography in schools

March 16, 2023 Ray Carter

Oklahoma school libraries would be required to restrict children’s access to materials based on the age-appropriateness of materials, following public outcry after numerous reports of sexually graphic and pornographic materials in many schools, under legislation approved by the Oklahoma Senate. “We want to allow kids to be kids, and there’s certain things we don’t necessarily…

Drummond supports religious freedom

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 10, 2023) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond led attorneys general from 20 states today in filing an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an important case involving the liberty of religious organizations to select their ministerial leaders. The brief supports a faith-based Colorado school in arguing that the U.S….

Senate votes to strengthen law to stop illegal foreign ownership of land

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure to stop the illegal purchase of Oklahoma land passed the Senate unanimously Wednesday. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, worked with the attorney general’s office in crafting Senate Bill 212 to keep non-U.S. citizens from directly or indirectly, through a business entity or trust, owning land in the state unless otherwise authorized…

Bill to organize books by age in libraries passes Senate

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate has approved a bill to require school and public libraries to place books into sections labeled elementary, junior high, Under 16 or juniors and seniors. Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the author of Senate Bill 397, which was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. “There is a time and…

Federal Election Trigger Bill Passes House

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House today approved a bill that would decouple Oklahoma elections from federal ones should federal election laws substantially change. Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, described House Bill 1415 as a trigger bill that would only take effect should federal election laws change in a way that conflicts with state laws. If…

House Censures Member for Hiding Fugitive in Office

March 16, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today censured one of its members for impeding a law enforcement investigation into an alleged assault on a fellow member and an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper that took place in the Capitol last week. The member, Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, harbored a fugitive wanted for questioning…