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news
February 3, 2026
Hamilton introduces bills to protect from foreign land ownership, predatory AI

Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has filed a slate of legislation for the 2026 legislative session to strengthen protections for Oklahomans, underscoring his commitment to defending Oklahoma values and constitutional rights, and protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

Hamilton has introduced bills to prohibit foreign ownership of land and data centers in the state, protecting Oklahomans from foreign influence and upholding national security.

Senate Bill 1672 builds on existing provisions in state law to prohibit foreign acquisition of land in Oklahoma. Further, the bill removes a current provision that permitted exemptions and ensures the law applies uniformly to all foreign ownership.

Senate Bill 1706 provides that data centers in Oklahoma may not be directly or indirectly rented, leased, or controlled by a foreign owner.

“Under no circumstances can we permit non-citizens to gain access to our lands, resources, or personal data,” Hamilton said.

“These pieces of legislation bolster our state laws, protect our citizens, and provide additional safeguards against those who seek to harm our nation or infiltrate our communities.”

Hamilton has also filed legislation to protect children from predatory AI chatbot features that could expose them to content that is explicit or threatens their safety.

Senate Bill 1521 prohibits the design of AI chatbot features that expose minors to explicit content or coerce suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, or imminent physical or sexual violence.

Additionally, the legislation requires AI chatbot developers to implement age verification tools on their platforms and freeze accounts until the user’s age is verified. Companies that fail to comply with the provisions of the measure could face civil penalties up to $100,000.

“Entirely too many innocent children have been exposed to harmful and explicit content through AI and online platforms, leaving them susceptible to exploitation, trauma, and lifelong psychological harm,” Hamilton said.

“These measures may add steps for users, but they are essential to safeguarding Oklahoma youth from AI content that puts their safety at risk.”

Hamilton’s legislation will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which began Feb. 2.

Sheriff warns of public safety impacts during state legislative panel
Main, news
Sheriff warns of public safety impacts during state legislative panel
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
February 10, 2026
Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane joined educators, county officials and financial experts last week in Norman to discuss what he described as “potentially devastating” consequences of a proposed sta...
Details released in murder of man found in river
Main, news
Details released in murder of man found in river
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
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Authorities have arrested five people and filed multiple felony charges in connection with the killing of a Muskogee man whose body was discovered last fall along the Arkansas River in Van Buren, Ark....
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Former animal control supervisor’s case amended to abandonment
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Roland’s former animal control supervisor who was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty has had her charge amended to abandonment of animals, according to court records. Kayla Barnes, 34, of...
Community, classroom and family
Main, news
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Roland teacher invests where she lives
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February 10, 2026
In Sarah Richards’ third grade classroom at Roland Elementary, learning is more than worksheets and tests. It’s laughter, encouragement, creativity and the kind of confidence- building that follows st...
A wish come true
Main, news
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Roland Public Schools said they are excited to celebrate first grader Stevie Jastrzemski, who was recently able to experience a magical Make-A-Wish trip to Disney! From big smiles to unforgettable mem...
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Moffett Public School accepting applications for 3-year-old program
February 10, 2026
Moffett Public School is now accepting applications for their 2026-27, 3-year-old program waiting list. Eligibility requirements include: -Child must be 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2026 -Child must be a r...
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Free beading class at MCCO
February 10, 2026
The Muldrow Cherokee Community Organization (MCCO) is hosting free beading classes in February and March, that will be held on the 4th and 18th of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Classes will also take pl...
Sequoyah County Historical Society will meet Sunday
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Sequoyah County Historical Society will meet Sunday
February 10, 2026
The Sequoyah County Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at their museum, located at 200 East Creek Street in Sallisaw. The program will be “show and tell.” Members and guests are a...
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Area Agency on Aging offering services
February 10, 2026
If you are 60 years of age or older and need access to services such as meals (home delivered or congregate), homemaker services, nutrition counselling, legal help, caregiver services or transportatio...
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Cherokee Nation spring education tours now available for students
February 10, 2026
Students can learn more about the rich history and thriving culture of the Cherokee Nation through free education tours this spring. They can be scheduled February- May, with reservations offered on a...
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Common Cents Act takes on penny problems, advances in House
February 10, 2026
Legislation that would allow and later require certain public cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel has passed a House policy committee and now moves to an oversight committee. Authore...
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