Cover Story
Beyond the Festival
For many Oklahomans, deadCenter arrives once a year. It shows up in June with red carpets, packed theaters, celebrity sightings and a flood of independent films that briefly transform downtown Oklahoma City into a gathering place for filmmakers and cinephiles. But for Amy Janes, deadCenter Film’s newly appointed executive director, one of the organization’s biggest…
Exit Champions
Last December, the Oklahoma Gazette published pointed commentary questioning the leadership and direction of Oklahoma City University after the university announced it would dissolve its men’s and women’s golf programs. At the time, the decision shocked alumni and supporters. The article noted the irony of eliminating one of the university’s most successful athletic programs during…
Todd Russ’ Perks
When it comes to managing taxpayer dollars, Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ may have found a creative route around state rules. Sources tell CFN that Russ arranged for an unclaimed property office to operate near his Cordell home, allowing him to store a state-issued vehicle there and commute roughly 180 miles daily to Oklahoma City.…
OG Picks – June
Festivals/Fairs Soonercon 34June 19-21, Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center soonercon.com Juneteenth on the East Main EventJune 20, 12pm, OKC Zoo Amphitheaterfacebook.com/JuneteenthOnTheEast Summer Solstice FestivalJune 21, 10am-4pmOKC Farmers Public Marketokcfarmersmarket.com Summer Solstice: Welcome to Native America CelebrationJune 21, 5–9pm, First Americans Museumfamok.org Fourth Fridays in West VillageJune 26, 6-10pm through Octoberwestvillageokc.com Farmers Markets Scissortail…
Summer Salads
Let’s be honest, OKC isn’t really salad culture—but we do have great options amid all the fried, grilled, braised and cured meats around town. As with most dishes, you can go fully healthy or just pretend you’re eating healthy by indulging in an over-the-top dinner salad. We have a variety for you to choose among…
Political Favoritism
A multicounty grand jury revealed it’s been investigating the early release of a drunk driver from prison. In a report released Thursday, the grand jury said although it found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, it did find multiple issues with the early release GPS Program. It also found evidence of political favoritism toward the offender,…
Epic Charter Case Moves Foward
Nearly four years after their arrests, the criminal case against Epic Charter Schools’ founders took a step forward Thursday. Oklahoma County Special Judge Jason Glidewell concluded prosecutors presented enough evidence for nearly all of the charges against David Chaney, 47, and Ben Harris, 50, to move forward to trial. Prosecutors in 2022 charged Chaney and…
Roll Model
Chefs Richard Ly and Chris McKenna began speaking openly about their concept new concept, Kaizume, about a year ago, and it’s been much anticipated since. Ly, originally from Dallas, was part of the opening teams for concepts like Edmond’s Cafe Icon Sushi & Grill and Hal Smith’s Jimmy B’s Culinary + Krafted before opening his…
SpringBoard Effect
Some people dream about opening a restaurant. Robert and Lori Black have built a unique place for themselves by helping would-be business owners answer one question: Will it actually work? While customers may be familiar with the couple’s successful cadre of Edmond businesses, they may not realize that one power couple is behind Evoke, Twisted…
Politics, Not As Usual
Let’s Fix This, the non-profit advocacy group founded by Andy Moore, emerged from the state budget crisis of 2016. Oklahoma had experienced two revenue failures, across-the-board cuts in spending on services and furloughed state employees, including Department of Health employees who approved pharmaceutical allocations for patients. Moore, a licensed counselor with degrees in theology and…
Capitol Wrap
For those who do not keep up with the day-to-day activities at Northwest 23rd Street and Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City, state lawmakers convene from the first Monday in February until they conclude business, which must be by the final Friday in May. Gov. Kevin Stitt has a deadline of Friday, May 29, to act…
THIS Show Must NOT Go On …
Special thanks to President Donald J. Trump for recently sending J. Kevin Stitt back from D.C. with his tail between his legs. By refusing to endorse Stitt for the upcoming Senate election to replace MarkWayne Mullin, in favor of Representative Kevin Hern, Trump may have finally done what Oklahoma’s Republican legislators, donor class and establishment…
Pride Guide
From parades and downtown festivals to art markets, drag performances, and family-friendly gatherings, Pride Month brings a full calendar of celebrations to Oklahoma City throughout June. Whether you’re looking to honor LGBTQ+ history, support local artists, connect with community organizations, or simply join the festivities, there are events happening all month long across the metro.…
Screen Time
The Drama Friendships, sacred bonds and loyalties are put to the test in director Kristoffer Borgli’s (Dream Scenario) provocative new film, The Drama. Picture it: A wedding ceremony is one week away. The soon-to-be bride and groom, Emma and Charlie (Zendaya and Robert Pattinson), and their Best Man and Maid of Honor, Mike and Rachel…
Driven to Abstraction
How would you describe yourself as an artist? I create large abstract works. I love to work in large pieces. I like to dance when I create my pieces, and I love a large enough canvas that I feel like it’s a full-body movement. What has drawn you to abstract art? I love abstract pieces…
Joy in Darkness
How would you describe yourself as a musician? I would say that I am sort of an ADHD musician, if I’m being honest. I’m primarily a bass player –– both classical and jazz –– and also an electric player playing jazz and pop music, and sort of anything that would have a bass guitar. I…
Thunderous Luck
How many fans get the chance to cheer for a team this good? The well-oiled machine of a squad we’ve watched all year is better than previous Thunder teams, but we’ve been privileged to watch greatness for most of two decades. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been tough moments. The Finals loss, the Harden trade,…
Free Will Astrology – June
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the weeks ahead, simply being right won’t necessarily lead to success. Having strength, intelligence, wealth, or connections might help, though not as much as usual. But a different approach will work well as you strive to overcome challenges: a blend of cleverness and integrity. I invite you to be cunning…
