Kurt Gwartney

The Republican leaders at the State Capitol gathered in the Blue Room Tuesday to announce what they’re calling major agreements on several key proposals before lawmakers this session.

Gov. Mary Fallin, Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman (R-Sapulpa) and House Speaker T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton) each took turns describing the plan to cut state income taxes, change the workers’ compensation system and repair the State Capitol.

John Steinbeck does not often rise to the list of universally revered authors among Oklahomans. His book, The Grapes of Wrath, is widely viewed as presenting a negative view of the state's residents.

But University of Oklahoma history professor David Wrobel says the state's reputation has not been cursed by the book.

House Democrats started off the week by gathering members of their caucus and supporters of an expansion to the Medicaid insurance program. House Minority Leader Scott Inman (D-Del City) says Oklahomans have sent approximately $27 billion in taxpayer dollars to the federal government.

“We come together as a community of Oklahoma citizens today and call upon our governor and our legislative leaders to just bring some of those $27 billion back to Oklahoma to take care of those people who desperately need healthcare.”

The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings Wednesday evening for southwest and south central Oklahoma.

Authorities reported damage in the Lawton area from storms that passed through the area, including at the Goodyear tire plant.

The risk for tornadoes diminished for central Oklahoma as the storms hit cooler air, but the threat for tornadoes continued in southern sections of the state.

Colder air is moving in behind the storms and could bring a freeze to the region.

Forecasters say Oklahoma is at a moderate risk for severe weather as a storm system moves through the state.

The term "moderate" as used by the National Weather Service means the area is likely to see some severe storms. Forecasters say the scattered to numerous thunderstorms expected between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday in Oklahoma.

Five earthquakes shook parts of central Oklahoma overnight Tuesday, waking residents but not causing any injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports two earthquakes near Luther greater than a 4 magnitude.

Many energy company executives are afraid to talk about oil, according to Continental Resoures CEO Harold Hamm.

“Energy has treated Oklahoma so well,” said Hamm speaking at the Governor’s Energy Conference last fall. “A third of production comes from Oklahoma. That’s tremendous.”

Building new markets for Oklahoma energy products is a goal of Gov. Mary Fallin’s energy plan.

Several speakers at the Governor’s Energy Conference praised Fallin’s administration for developing a plan for the state energy sector.