Good morning, Tulsa.

Residents in Tulsa are troubled by rising electric bills after PSO raised rates in June (the hike was reduced from $25 to $11 per month by the attorney general).

Some said their bills exceed rent, with one customer on disability reporting a bill over $700.

Tulsa Public Schools opened registration for free ESL classes at the Parent Resource Center where classes begin Sept.

14 and run Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon; interested participants are urged to sign up early as space is limited.

Owasso elementary students returned to school Thursday with a new art program in all 9 schools, a revised recess schedule, and enhanced safety measures including extra security officers and substitute teachers (changes made possible by a bond passed last September).

Owasso Public Schools began the new year with expanded programs that include extra recess, new art classes, expanded AI access and updated cellphone policies.

The district also spent about $1 million on security upgrades and added a security officer to ensure safe school environments.

Jenks students returned to class Thursday as the district launched a new 133,000 sqft Freshman Academy that houses over 1,000 freshmen in modern labs, a learning staircase, and a FEMA-rated tornado shelter (designed for 2,300 people).

The school also introduced a new block schedule for grades 7-12 and early-release Fridays for elementary students.

State lawmakers passed two dozen bills to change Oklahoma education rules for next school year by adding longer recess, cellphone limits, teacher pay raises and a new math office.

Third graders not reading at grade level may face retention after a transition year (with extra reading support planned).

Tulsa Ballet has announced the Hardesty Opportunity Fund to make dance education available to students of all skill levels at its Hardesty Center for Dance Education in Broken Arrow (funded by longtime supporters Charles and Sheri Stinson).

Families with financial need are encouraged to apply soon.

A Weleetka woman is recovering at home after being bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake Monday while getting ready for her children’s school open house.

She was flown to Tulsa and treated with four bags of antivenom (a reminder to seek care immediately for snake bites).

Race officials unveiled new Halloween-themed medals for runners who will compete in the TTCU Tulsa Run on Oct.

31 in Tulsa. The medals, featuring variations on the iconic running man design (including a rubber pumpkin medal for kids), will mark the race's 49th anniversary ahead of its 50th next year.

FC Tulsa vs Loudoun United Pro Soccer Match

FC Tulsa sits in first place in the USL Western Conference, and Friday’s home match is sure to be a thriller—just as $1 Beer Section Night returns to ONEOK Field. Today in Tulsa readers can enjoy up to 50% off day of game prices with this special offer.