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Oklahoma gay marriage ban ruled unconstitutional

U.S. District Judge Terence Kern announced his decision Tuesday in Tulsa. The ruling has been stayed pending appeal, which means same-sex marriages will not occur immediately in Oklahoma. Ryan Kiesel, executive director and spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union in Oklahoma, called the 68-page written decision an “historic day for all of Oklahoma.” “We […]

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Nobody listened

She also claims teachers and school administrators missed obvious signs of abuse and neglect, including numerous absences and lack of personal hygiene. Wood-Harber’s brother, Quinten Wood, 15, died Jan. 4, 2012 from pneumonia complications; but his life was filled with adults who didn’t care for his needs, she alleges. Born with a rare chromosomal abnormality, […]

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Up in smoke

Without a doubt, the prospect of legalizing marijuana in Oklahoma will draw opponents when a new measure is introduced during the next legislative session in February. Obvious critics will be law enforcement officials and conservative legislators, but they won’t be alone. Some predict the alcohol and tobacco industries also will join the fight. For decades, […]

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Getting high(er)

A 2 percent raise was approved for Couch and most other city workers during the Dec. 31 council meeting. All new salaries took effect Jan. 1. Couch, Municipal Counselor Ken Jordan and City Auditor Jim Williamson were considered for raises separate from other city employees because they are hired directly by the council. As the […]

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Another convention center?

Shadid claims city and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce officials were not honest with voters before the 2009 MAPS 3 election, particularly with the convention center project and a related convention center hotel. The convention center could cost taxpayers an estimated $250 million, but the hotel would not receive MAPS 3 funding. Voters approved […]

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Fowled up

Chickens are allowed in city limits on one-acre lots or larger, but supporters argued all residents should have the freedom to raise chickens that produce fresh eggs. However, the measure failed 7-2 with Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid and Ward 4 Councilman Pete White voting in favor of the proposal. The remaining six council members […]

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Special meeting set Wednesday

The meeting will be in the executive conference room on the third of City Hall, 200 N. Walker Ave. Ward 4 Councilman Pete White suggested the ward idea because of the large number of people each councilman represents. All eight councilmen have more than 70,000 residents in each ward. White believes that increasing the wards […]

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Another hotel and convention center?

Shadid claims city and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce officials were not honest with voters before the 2009 MAPS 3 election, particularly with the convention center project and a related convention center hotel. The convention center could cost taxpayers an estimated $250 million, but the hotel would not receive MAPS 3 funding. Voters approved […]

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