The Frontier · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKNovember 10, 2026 Republicans and Democrats behind Oklahoma’s new reading reforms say improving literacy will take years of monitoring results, adjusting policies and putting aside political disagreements. Tweet Share Share Author Dylan Goforth [email protected] Reading Time 5 min Posted In Education Students walk into an Oklahoma City school. BEN FELDER/The Frontier Oklahoma lawmakers have spent years debating how to improve the state’s struggling reading scores. Now, a bipartisan group of legislators wants to make sure the latest effort doesn’t become another abandoned education reform. The newly formed Oklahoma Reading Caucus brings together Republicans and Democrats who helped advance the Strong Readers Act, a sweeping overhaul of how Oklahoma schools teach reading, identify struggling students and provide additional support before children fall too far behind.
The Collegian online · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKNews coverage is dominated by the results, while the electoral process remains overlooked. In the wake of the 2026 midterms, conversations about the election tend to center around the results and what they mean for the future of American politics. While the results deserve scrutiny, so does the process through which those results are decided. In Oklahoma, the absentee voting is a cumbersome process that has made voting less accessible for residents. Any democratic form of government values the participation of its citizens in the electoral system, and Oklahoma’s absentee process raises an important question: Why does exercising a basic civic duty have to be so difficult? Absentee ballots provide citizens who cannot vote in person with an essential alternative. Still, the process itself comes with its own set of obstacles. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, Oklahoma is one of three states that requires absentee ballots be notarized before they are mailed.
The Collegian online · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKRed Oklahoman voting populus shows a remarkably blue underbelly. This past Tuesday, Nov. 3, featured one of the most consequential midterm elections in recent history. During a time in which Republicans are the controlling party in the national government, Democrats flipped seven seats in the Senate (with the two currently uncalled races in Mississippi and Alaska also likely going Democrat) and 42 in the house, with 16 elections still uncalled. This “blue tsunami” can be seen in states like Texas, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Maine and both Carolinas, all of which elected Democratic senators in districts that had previously been held by Republicans, with many also voting for Democratic governors over their incumbent Republican counterparts. Unfortunately for Oklahoma Democrats, it would seem upon first glance that this so-called “blue tsunami” is entirely absent from their state. However, this disappointment may be somewhat hasty.
Oklahoma Gazette · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKThundercat has spent most of his career blending jazz, funk and soul into a sound that is uniquely his own. With his latest album, Distracted, the Grammy-winning musician continues to explore new creative directions ahead of his upcoming performance at The Criterion in Oklahoma City. “As a live instrumentalist, it naturally will always have an air of me,” Thundercat said. “I think that something that holds the balance and the force to that is me being able to play.” Music has been a part of Thundercat’s life since he was young. When asked when he realized he wanted to pursue music as a career, he said it was something he knew from childhood. However, developing the sound audiences recognize today did not happen overnight. He described the process as “very slow and tedious, and very expensive,” reflecting the time and dedication required to develop his musical identity.
Oklahoma Gazette · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKThe work of Oklahoma’s top education official has already begun for state Superintendent-elect Robert Franklin. By late Wednesday afternoon, not even 24 hours since being elected Tuesday, the longtime educator from Sand Springs had spoken with a local district superintendent about preparations for the state’s new literacy law and exchanged messages with Gov.-elect Mike Mazzei, all amidst a marathon of media interviews. Once he’s sworn into office in January, Franklin, 67, will be responsible for what he described as a “behemoth” task of turning around Oklahoma’s bottom-ranking reading and math scores. He called the work ahead “encouraging” and “daunting.” “It’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of moment,” Franklin said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.” Despite facing skepticism within the state GOP, Franklin received broad bipartisan support, particularly from fellow educators.
The Frontier · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKNovember 6, 2026 The Frontier and KOSU previously reported that judges in Oklahoma County routinely fail to consider whether defendants can afford bail, leaving poor and homeless people jailed on low-level charges. Other counties have already faced civil rights lawsuits. Tweet Share Share Author Maddy Keyes and Sierra Pfeifer, KOSU [email protected] Reading Time 4 min Posted In Criminal Justice The Oklahoma County Courthouse in downtown Oklahoma City SIERRA PFEIFER / KOSU Oklahoma County Presiding Judge Sheila Stinson told state lawmakers she will issue orders to mandate reforms to bail hearings that keep many poor people in jail. Stinson spoke during an interim study at the Oklahoma Capitol on Oct. 29, where attorneys, court staff and advocates urged the state to step in and fix the county’s court system to avoid costly lawsuits. People booked into the Oklahoma County jail can wait days for their first appearance, depending on when they are booked.
Oklahoma Gazette · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKThe Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) broke ground Thursday, Nov. 5, on a new $40 million humane campus designed to expand animal welfare services throughout Oklahoma. Located at 4001 SW 15th St., the 53,000-square-foot facility will bring the organization’s adoption center, spay and neuter clinic, and animal care operations together under one roof for the first time. The ambassador pup to represent their shovel The groundbreaking marks a major milestone in OK Humane’s Unleash the Possibilities capital campaign, which has already raised more than $32 million toward its $40 million goal. Plans for the 14.5-acre campus include additional housing for adoptable animals, expanded low-cost veterinary services, increased spay and neuter capacity, and dedicated space for youth education and specialized animal care programs. The facility will also introduce on-site dog housing.
Oklahoma Gazette · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKOklahoma City’s celebration of Route 66’s 100th anniversary will leave a lasting message for future generations when a time capsule is buried beneath the towering Kicks 66 sculpture on Thursday, Nov. 12. The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony at 9:30 a.m. near the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where the capsule will remain sealed until 2126, marking the Mother Road’s 200th anniversary. Inside are more than 1,300 postcards written to future Oklahoma City residents by people from 33 states and 12 countries. The collection also includes a Key to the City from Mayor David Holt and memorabilia representing life in Oklahoma City today. The ceremony will feature remarks from Ward 7 Councilman Camal Pennington, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum President Pat Fitzgerald and local artist Cameron Eagle, who created the Kicks 66 sculpture. Standing 35 feet tall, the giant red cowboy boot has become a distinctive roadside attraction along Route 66.
Oklahoma Gazette · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKThe Oklahoma City Zoo is preparing to light up the holiday season with the return of OKC Zoo Safari Lights, presented by OG&E, Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, 2027. Now in its sixth year, the popular holiday attraction will feature new illuminated lantern displays, interactive experiences and expanded ticket options. Guests can explore the colorful sculptures from their vehicles or on foot, with additional opportunities for private gatherings and VIP experiences. There are several interactive options that the whole family can participate in. “We’re incredibly proud that Oklahomans are making Safari Lights an annual happening for their family and friends, and want to ensure each experience is different,” said Jenna Dodson, OKC Zoo director of events and sales.
The Frontier · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKNovember 4, 2026 Democrats flipped six Republican-held state House seats and made substantial gains in Oklahoma’s largest counties, even as Republicans maintained their grip on statewide offices. Tweet Share Share Author Dylan Goforth [email protected] Reading Time 4 min Posted In elections Tulsa voters head to the polls in November 2022. DYLAN GOFORTH/The Frontier Oklahoma Republicans swept statewide offices in Tuesday’s midterm elections, but Democrats still made significant gains in some of the state’s most populous counties and defeated at least five incumbent Republican state representatives. The results mirrored a national political shift toward Democrats, although the movement in Oklahoma was concentrated largely in metropolitan areas and surrounding suburbs.
Oklahoma Gazette · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKThe American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district has named Lucas Ross its new executive director, effective Nov. 1, following the retirement of Johnny Baier after 22 years of leadership. Johnnie Baier Baier, who helped shape the museum’s mission of preserving and celebrating the banjo’s history, plans to return to performing as a musician and entertainer. In a recent museum newsletter, he described his tenure as an “unexpected, amazing, joyful and fulfilling experience” and expressed his hope of remaining involved with the institution. Ross, a Minco native and longtime museum advocate, brings more than two decades of experience in television, entertainment and music. A seven-time Heartland Emmy Award winner and national Emmy Award recipient for his work at KFOR-TV, Ross has appeared on The Tonight Show and in films including Killers of the Flower Moon and The Rivals of Amziah King.
Woodward News · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKGetting your Trinity Audio player ready... Republicans looked to continue their dominance of political offices in Oklahoma, as the GOP tried to sweep all statewide elected positions in the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.Results from the Oklahoma State Election Board showed:kAm• #6AF3=:42? |:<6 |2KK6: 362E s6>@4C2E rJ?5: |F?D@? 2?5 E9C66 :?56A6?56?E 42?5:52E6D 7@C 8@G6C?@C]k^Am kAm• #6AF3=:42? %](] $92??@? 56762E65 s6>@4C2E z6==J u@C36D 7@C E96 =:6FE6?2?E 8@G6C?@C A@DE]k^AmkAm• #6AF3=:42? y@? t49@=D 56762E65 s6>@4C2E }:4< r@776J E@ 364@>6 E96 ?6IE 2EE@C?6J 86?6C2=]k^AmkAm• #6AF3=:42? r:?5J qJC5 362E {:36CE2C:2? z:676C !6CCJ E@ 364@>6 E96 ?6IE DE2E6 EC62DFC6C]k^Am kAm• #6AF3=:42? #@36CE uC2?<=:? 362E s6>@4C2E y6??6EE:6 |2CD92== E@ 364@>6 E96 ?6IE DE2E6 DFA6C:?E6?56?E @7 AF3=:4 :?DECF4E:@?]k^AmkAm• z6G:? (6DE 56762E65 s6>@4C2E z6G:? s2HD@? 2?5 {:36CE2C:2? |:<6 w2== E@ H:? E96 =23@C 4@>>:DD:@?6C C246]k^AmkAm• #6AF3=:42? q@3 $F==:G2? 56762E65 s6>@4C2E rC2:8 |24x?EJC6 E@ H:?
Oklahoma Gazette · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKJim Huffman grew up in Oklahoma before building a career in marketing and eventually taking a chance on a struggling apparel brand. Now, the CEO is preparing for an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank in front of a national audience. Huffman founded GrowthHit, a growth marketing agency, where he worked with a variety of brands and developed an interest in owning a business of his own. When he was introduced to Neat Apparel, he saw an opportunity to combine his marketing experience with a product he believed in. Around 2024, Huffman and his team invested approximately $50,000 into the brand, along with the time and effort needed to grow the business. Having grown up in Oklahoma, Huffman was familiar with the hot summer temperatures that made the product appealing. He recalled mowing lawns as a kid and thought about how useful a shirt designed to hide sweat could have been. “If I have learned anything, the key to marketing is having a product that actually works,” said Huffman.
Woodward News · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKOklahoma State Treasurer winner Cindy Byrd, with husband Steve Byrd, speaks during the GOP Election Night Watch Party, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. Kyle Phillips | For Oklahoma Voice Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... OKLAHOMA CITY — Voters selected Republican State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd on Tuesday to become Oklahoma’s next state treasurer.Byrd, of Coalgate, easily defeated Libertarian Kiefer Perry.kAmqJC5 D2:5 96C G:4E@CJ %F6D52J D9@HD E92E G@E6CD 2C6 H:==:?8 E@ ECFDE 96C]k^Am kAm“%96J E@ D9@H E96> H96C6 E96:C >@?6J :D C62==J 8@:?8 2D E96 DE2E6 2F5:E@C[” D96 D2:5] “%92E’D :>A@CE2?E 3642FD6 J@F 92G6 E@ 5@ E92E E@ >2<6 DFC6 E92E E96C6’D EC2?DA2C6?4J 2?5 244@F?E23:=:EJ :? 8@G6C?>6?E] %9:D ?6IE C@=6 :D 8@:?8 E@ 36 >@C6 23@FE 4@==23@C2E:@?
Norman Transcript · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKOklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook celebrates after scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Oklahoma City. Alonzo Adams | Associated Press Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... As Russell Westbrook received a prestigious award in Oklahoma City, he learned that his number and last name will soon be in the rafters of the Paycom Center.Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced the retirement of former Thunder great Russell Westbrook’s No. 0 jersey as he awarded Westbrook the Oklahoma Standard Award at the OKC National Memorial & Museum’s annual luncheon Monday.kAm(6DE3C@@<’D ?F>36C H:== 36 C6E:C65 u63] f H96? E96 %9F?56C 9@DED E96 }6H *@C< z?:4]k^Am kAm(6DE3C@@< DA6?E E96 7:CDE `` @7 9:D `g }qp D62D@?D :? ~<=29@>2 r:EJ 2?5 D6CG65 2D E96 7:CDE ECF6 :4@? @7 E96 }qp 7C2?49:D6 E92E H2D 72:C=J ?6H E@ E96 DE2E6]k^AmkAm“|2?J A=2J6CD >2<6 2?
The Collegian online · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKIt is no secret that voting, as well as elections in general in Oklahoma, are not well attended. A report from the University of Florida found that this state had the second lowest voter turnout during the 2024 general election, with Hawaii hosting the lowest. To help voters go into Tuesday’s election informed, The Collegian has decided to provide a cheatsheet describing the platforms of the top two candidates for some of the major elections in the state. Mike Mazzei, Governor (R): The Republican candidate for governor previously served in the Oklahoma senate from 2004 to 2016, and was secretary of budget from 2019 to 2020. According to his campaign website, Mazzei plans to eliminate property taxes for seniors and veterans, as well as make Oklahoma a no-income-tax state. The website further describes the candidate’s commitment to “end wokeism in higher education” and create a Department of Government Efficiency for the state.
Claremore Daily Progress · Oklahoma, OK
Nearby: Oklahoma, OKAs Russell Westbrook received a prestigious award in Oklahoma City, he learned that his number and last name will soon be in the rafters of the Paycom Center.Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced the retirement of former Thunder great Russell Westbrook’s No. 0 jersey as he awarded Westbrook the Oklahoma Standard Award at the OKC National Memorial & Museum’s annual luncheon Monday.kAm(6DE3C@@<’D ?F>36C H:== 36 C6E:C65 u63] f H96? E96 %9F?56C 9@DED E96 }6H *@C< z?:4]k^Am kAm(6DE3C@@< DA6?E E96 7:CDE `` @7 9:D `g }qp D62D@?D :? ~<=29@>2 r:EJ 2?5 D6CG65 2D E96 7:CDE ECF6 :4@? @7 E96 }qp 7C2?49:D6 E92E H2D 72:C=J ?6H E@ E96 DE2E6]k^AmkAm“|2?J A=2J6CD >2<6 2? :>A24E 3FE @?=J 8C62E A=2J6CD =62G6 2 =6824J] #FDD6== (6DE3C@@<’D =6824J H2D 3F:=E 3@E9 @? E96 4@FCE 2?5 :? E96 4@>>F?:EJ[” D2:5 %9F?56C tI64FE:G6 ':46 !C6D:56?E 2?5 v6?6C2= |2?286C $2> !C6DE:] “w:D >:?5D6E H2D C6=6?E=6DD[ 9:D 4@>>:E>6?E 566A] u@C 2== E9@D6 C62D@?D[ ~<=29@>2?D 4@?D:56C 9:> @?6 @7 E96:C @H?