Unwrapping the mysteries of the human brain and the implications of its early development will be the discussion topics when four experts from across the country speak in Tulsa next week at a special conference. "Making the Connection: Brain Development Research and Policy Implications" will be held on Wednesday, October 14th at the Rogers University campus there.

Who's the best state legislator in the country?

State Senator Paul Muegge of Oklahoma, according to a respected, national trade publication which covers federal, state and municipal governments across the country.

Senator Muegge has been tabbed "Public Official of the Year" by Governing magazine, making him the first Oklahoman ever to win the honor.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Visitors at the State Capitol can get a glimpse of a newly discovered Oklahoma dinosaur; the "Recycleosaurus."

"So far we only know of one Recycleosaurus, but we're hoping several more will soon be discovered by Oklahoma school children," said Senator Cal Hobson.

Recycleosaurus was discovered when some volunteers got together one evening after work and used some discarded packing styrofoam, wood and glue to show how a recycling project can tie in science and art.

Oklahoma's bid to bring passenger rail service back to the state is getting a shot in the arm from two neighbors. Both Kansas and Texas are taking the first steps to forming an alliance with Oklahoma, thus strengthening the region's chance of landing a new Amtrak line.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Frank Keating has vetoed a measure that would have perfected the state's position to restore high speed passenger rail service to Oklahoma.

In vetoing Senate Bill 848, Governor Keating is robbing the people of Oklahoma of a means of transportation enjoyed by 48 other states. Senator Dave Herbert, who has led the passenger rail movement in Oklahoma for the past four years, is expressing disappointment in what he calls "the Governor's lack of vision for Oklahoma."

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Howard Hendrick (R-Bethany) is stepping down from his post as State Senator from District 52. Hendrick has been selected to take over the reins of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

"My appointment as Director of the Department of Human Services presents a tremendous challenge both personally and professionally," said Senator Hendrick. "During my years in the Senate, I have taken particular interest in this agency and I count it an honor to have been selected to lead DHS into the next century."

Governor Keating's plan to raid state pension funds is drawing the opposition of a powerful law enforcement organization. The development has prompted a Senate budget leader to renew his call for the Governor and Republican lawmakers to drop the initiative and resist tampering with state retirement funds.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Mike Fair (R-Oklahoma_City) has directed Senate Staff to draft language to defer the effective date of Oklahoma's Truth-In-Sentencing bill.

The proposed two year delay comes as the end of the 1998 legislative session nears and lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on changes to the criminal justice reform bill.

"The proposed delay could be considered if the Senate and House vote to suspend their rules," said Senator Fair. "However, the Governor would more than likely have to call a special session of the Legislature to make it happen."

In an effort to break the logjam over the future of Rogers University, Governor Keating and members of the Tulsa legislative delegation are offering a compromise proposal which would bring a four-year university and a graduate center to Tulsa.

Among other things, the bipartisan agreement would preserve the roles of existing institutions in the Tulsa area, putting Oklahoma State University in charge of undergraduate programs and creating a graduate center which would be run by OSU and the University of Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY - The next generation of NASA Space Shuttles could be based in Oklahoma. That is the hope of state lawmakers who adopted a resolution today endorsing a proposal to make the former Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base a home-base for the Space Shuttle Program.

Senator Gilmer Capps (D-Snyder) and Representative Jack Bonny (D-Burns Flat) have been the driving forces behind efforts to offer the former air base near Burns Flat to NASA officials. Clinton-Sherman provides the ideal facility and ideal conditions needed for the space agency.