Paul Thompson, a social activist for 40 years in the metro area, died March 4 after what is described by friends as a “brief and unexpected illness.” Thompson was admitted to Mercy Hospital following a stroke, and passed away days later from a heart attack. Memorial services were held on Sunday, March 14. Thompson, 70, […]
Greg Horton
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Oklahoma’s tiered alcohol retail system and pricing methods benefit Okies
Mike Weeks, an Oklahoma City land man, was surprised to find the $90 bottle of wine he purchased for his business partner’s 2009 Christmas present online for $50 two weeks later. “Why is the price so different in California than here?” Weeks said. “We’re getting screwed, obviously. Someone is making money off of us.” Tier […]
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Would changed alcohol laws result in revenue for Oklahoma?
Oklahomans for Alcohol Law Reform is a grassroots organization attempting to change alcoholic beverage laws that are vestiges of the old “blue laws” system, including allowing liquor retailers to sell on Sundays. Randy Burleson, a founding member of the organization, said OFALR is not pushing for “obligatory regulations.” “We think it’s a matter of consumer […]
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U.S. poet laureate Kay Ryan to give reading, teach on historic visit to Rose State College
Rose State College hosts Kay Ryan, poet laureate of the United States, on Friday as part of its “Poetry at Rose” program, featuring a reading, reception and book signing with Ryan. Terry Britton, Rose State president, said the school is honored to have Ryan as part of the program. Rose has hosted a poetry program […]
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Annual Red Tie Event raises funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma
In 1991, Jackie and Barbara Cooper were approached about being the faces of a new organization called the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund. The Coopers’ oldest son died of complications related to AIDS, and the couple was eager to get involved in what was then a widely misunderstood disease. Since that time, the organization has raised […]
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Concerns arise over Oklahoma Senate bill about offering Bible courses in public school
Oklahoma Sen. Tom Ivester, D-Elk City, is the author of a bill working its way through the Senate that would establish general guidelines and legal oversight for elective Bible courses in Oklahoma public schools. SB 1338 received a “pass” recommendation from the education subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Feb. 11 and is expected […]
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Pew Forum ranks Oklahoma No. 7 for adherence to religion in first-of-its-kind survey
More than 20 years ago, superstar pastor Rick Warren created composite characters who best exemplified members of his congregation at the Southern California Saddleback Church. Meanwhile, Bill Hybels at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., constructed Unchurched Harry and Mary to better help his congregation target the unsaved. Jews and Jehovah’s WitnessesWhat about […]
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Opponents of House Bill 1595 expect abortion-report legislation to be re-introduced
Oklahoma House Bill 1595, aka the Statistical Reporting of Abortion Act, suffered another setback on Dec. 18 when Oklahoma County District Judge Daniel Owens extended a temporary restraining order until Feb. 19, 2010. The order prevents the state from demanding women who are seeking an abortion fill out a 10-page questionnaire, and prevents the state […]
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Peaceful adherents to the religion Odinism emphasize incorrectness of racist allegations
Followers of the old Norse gods call themselves Asatruar, or followers of the way. Asatru, often called Odinism, has experienced a revival in the United States since being granted official recognition by the government of Iceland in 1972. Oklahoma is home to one group of Asatruar: the Oklahoma Great Plains Kindred. ‘I am certainly not […]
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National organization vows to uphold Constitution, even if it means defying elected officials
Are American citizens in danger of being interred in concentration camps or having their property or guns confiscated? Are we in danger of being treated as “enemy combatants?” Will Oklahoma City one day be subject to a military blockade? ADDITIONAL OATH OATH KEEPERS One national organization with members in Oklahoma is preparing for this possible […]