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After years of work to restore and modernize the state Capitol, a new addition showcasing the state’s history and founding artifacts opened to the public on Tuesday. The Oklahoma State Capitol Museum, on the Capitol’s ground floor, unveiled exhibits during Tuesday’s opening ceremony displaying government-forming documents, century-old stained glass, antique ballot boxes and the accoutrements of notable Oklahomans dating to before statehood.

House Passes Bill to Fight Catalytic Converter Theft OKLAHOMA CITY – Spurred by a skyrocketing rise in catalytic converter theft in recent years, the Oklahoma House of Representatives has taken action to help ensure Oklahoma doesn’t become a safe haven for the thefts. House Bill 3005 ensures Oklahoma’s catalytic converter theft prevention measures keep pace with laws enacted in neighboring states.

Deferred twice, Shawnee City Commissioners on their third attempt approved lake advisory committee recommendations poured over and assessed at-length by city staff and City Attorney Joe Vorndran. The specific purpose of the last deferral was to give staff time to do a study on the viability and potential overlap or conflict with state statutes, particularly Title 74 O.S.

LONDON – Former Iranian captive Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe said Monday that brushing her young daughter’s hair was one of her greatest joys upon returning home after almost six years of detention, and appealed for all of Iran’s remaining hostages to be reunited with their families as well.

ASBURY PARK, N.J. – A wave of new electric vehicle charging stations across the country is coming as interest in alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles is on the rise and could heighten further due to a global spike in gasoline prices.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – China’s ambassador to Sri Lanka said Monday it is considering a request for $2.5 billion in assistance to help the island nation through a debt and foreign currency crisis. Qi Zhenhong said Beijing is studying the Sri Lankan government’s appeal for a $1 billion loan and $1.5 billion credit line.

In January, Minneapolis Public Schools students stayed home for two weeks as the omicron COVID-19 variant surged and schools shuttered. This month, schools have closed for another two weeks, and counting, because of a teacher strike.