Respect is what they demanded. Respect in the form of better pay, fewer standardized tests and increased funding. “Things need to change,” said Janie Petersen, a councilor from Claremore Public Schools outside Tulsa. “Our [state leaders] don’t respect teachers, they don’t even respect the kids. It’s hurtful.” Initial estimates put the crowd at over 25,000 […]
Ben Felder
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Crowd of 20,000 hits Open Streets OKC
“We are super pleased with the turnout and couldn’t be happier,” said Kristin Culver, a supervisor with Wellness Now, which helped put on the Open Streets OKC event on March 30. Event organizers said initial estimates were that the crowd could top 20,000. Along the nearly one mile stretch of 23rd St. that was closed […]
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Dorman says he’s an underdog who’s gaining ground
“Just like the NCAA bracket where I see the underdogs are doing very well this year, I think we are going to see the same thing happen on Nov. 4,” said Dorman, referring to the annual NCAA basketball tournament currently in action and the date Oklahomans will vote for governor. “As the election moves toward […]
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City sales tax falls short of expectations
<span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;color:black”>In a report issued to the city council this week, Oklahoma City’s combined sales and use taxes for the general fund were 2.3 percent below target for the year. By itself, sales tax collections were down 5 percent in March from initial forecasts. <span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New […]
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Cornett talks transportation with U.S. Senate committee
As federal lawmakers work on the reauthorization of a major transportation spending bill, city and state officials from across the nation addressed the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on March 27. Cornett told the committee that progress has been made concerning transportation funding and resources from the federal government, but more can […]
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Family wants investigation into conduct of officer
Oklahoma City police officers shot and killed Gail Dean Fairless, 73, on March 23 after he picked up a gun and aimed it at the officers, according to the police department. The four officers involved are on administrative leave, including Sgt. Jeff Coffey, who was also involved in an incident in 2012 in which Robin […]
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Oklahoma City Council takes first step in NE redevelopment
Ward 7 Councilman John Pettis outlined a proposal for NE 23rd Street, between Lincoln Boulevard and Interstate 35, that includes a $20 million mixed-use development anchored by a new Buy For Less grocery store. The council’s unanimous vote will create a review committee that will develop a detailed plan. A designation of blight will be […]