Oklahoma County’s plan to plug the funding gap for its new jail quietly collapsed last month after commissioners declined to pursue a sales tax increase. Voters already approved a $260 million bond, but the price tag for the new facility has ballooned to more than three times that amount. While Commissioner Brian Maughan helped pump […]
Chicken-Fried News
Chicken-Fried News
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OSDE Audit Chaos
Auditor Cindy Byrd gave former Supt. Joy Hofmeister a clean bill of financial health, but the rest of the Oklahoma State Department of Education looks like a wild barnyard. OCAS still runs on the honor system, 23 districts spent outside cost limits, and a $1 million math vendor deal skipped competitive bidding. And Ryan Walters? Let’s just […]
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Weather Woes
As February comes to a close, Oklahomans are bracing for unpredictable weather, with meteorologists suggesting a chance of snow flurries—or sunbathing near the lake. Only in Oklahoma can you experience winter and spring in one week!
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Outlawed: Tito’s or Karens?
After allegations surfaced that some Oklahoma senators were knocking back drinks during late-night debates, Sen. Shane Jett (R-Shawnee) filed a bill aimed at keeping lawmakers from mixing Tito’s with taxpayer business. That didn’t sit well with Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R–Tuttle), who fired back by calling Jett a “Karen” during a press conference, […]
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OSDE Opts Out
The OSDE Board quietly scrapped one of former State Superembarrassment Ryan Walters’ proudest legacies: forcing new Oklahoma teachers to pass a written U.S. naturalization test to prove they were “one of us.” The policy confused educators, immigrants, and literally everyone who already passed Oklahoma history in eighth grade. Board members reportedly decided classroom competence mattered […]
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Trickle Down Education
In a not so surprising move for Governor Kevin Stitt’s last year in office, he now wants to repeal the income caps from last year’s educational tax credit. Recent reports show that over 90% of educational tax credit recipients already had their children in private schools, which implies this was not about school choice, but […]
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Priority Legislation
The Oklahoma Legislature is back in session, and once again it’s bringing the kind of ideas that make you double-check the calendar to see if it’s April 1. Senate Bill 1820, courtesy of the ever-creative Shane Jett, clarifies that “pistols at dawn” are still illegal, but mutually agreed fistfights are fine—as long as no one […]
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Controversial Social Studies Standards Blocked
In a victory for educators and historians, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has blocked the controversial social studies standards pushed by disgraced former state superintendent Ryan Walters. The court’s decision is a refreshing reminder that, sometimes, common sense prevails over political agendas. Here’s hoping this decision sparks positive change in Oklahoma classrooms!
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OKC Zoo Arrival!
Last month, the Oklahoma City Zoo celebrated the arrival of a delightful baby giraffe named “Juju,” bringing joy to visitors and staff alike! Guests can catch a glimpse of this charming newcomer on exhibit, making it a perfect time for a family outing. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Juju!
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OKC BLM Activist Indicted
Oklahoma City activist Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson, known for her prominent role in the Black Lives Matter movement, has been indicted on charges of fraud. Authorities allege that Dickerson embezzled over $3 million in funds from the organization. This revelation has sparked outrage among supporters and the community, who expected transparency and accountability in her […]