Kris Steele at a TEEM graduation Credit: Mark Hancock Since November, he has led The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM) as its executive director. Founded in 1987, the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit began as a support center for men battling substance abuse, but now focuses on providing free education and job placement services to men and […]
legislature
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Not kosher
Credit: Brad Gregg At least that’s according to the man himself, who told The Oklahoman last week “the wrinkles of my brain” compelled him to use the phrase “Jew down” in the state House of Representatives. “They might try to Jew me down on a price. That’s fine,” Johnson said during April 17 debate on […]
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All about Cleta
Credit: Brad Gregg Mitchell, formerly Deatherage, was a liberal Democrat when she served in the state House from 1976 to 1984. For years, however, she has been a card-carrying conservative Republican who isn’t shy about her anti-gay sentiments. In fact, Krohn writes how, in 2011, she was pivotal in ousting GOProud, a right-wing, fiscally conservative […]
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Crumbling Capitol
Oklahoma State Capitol Credit: Shannon Cornman That’s why they’ve been included on this year’s list of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Historic Places. Preservation Oklahoma Inc., a private nonprofit, unveiled its 2013 selections April 10 during a presentation at the Capitol. Gov. Mary Fallin attended the event, thanking Preservation Oklahoma for including the Capitol on its list. […]
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Threatening email
Prosecutors also charged the 54-year-old Gerhart with violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act by sending a threatening email to Sen. Cliff Branan, R-Oklahma City, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee. Gerhart wrote in his March 26 email, “Branan, get that bill heard or I will make sure you regret not doing it. I will make […]
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Dog the lobbyist
The veteran bounty hunter and reality television star visited the state Capitol today in support of a measure tightening regulation of bail enforcement or recovery. Chapman was accompanied by his wife, Beth, and son Leland. The state Senate took the occasion to pass a resolution honoring the 27-year bounty hunter and former bail bondsman. Presumably, […]
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Gunning for freedom
Credit: Brad Gregg Turns out, the thought of a sweet kindergarten teacher suddenly morphing into Kindergarten Cop isn’t such a realistic prospect after all. The decision comes at the recommendation of the Oklahoma Commission on School Safety, a group of law enforcement officers, mental health officials, teachers, parents and first responders. Their opposition, of course, […]
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Tweet heat
The March 15 tweet was part of an exchange between Shannon and Mickey Hepner, dean of the college of business administration at the University of Central Oklahoma. After Shannon remarked that Oklahoma would stand against the Affordable Care Act, Hepner tweeted that the Constitution prohibits the state from ignoring federal laws. Shannon replied with a […]
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Advocacy or extortion?
Jessica Brown, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, confirmed the agency is examining bribery allegations against Al Gerhart, who admitted at Tuesday news conference that he sent a threatening email message to state Sen. Cliff Branan, R-Oklahoma City. Gerhart sent the March 26 email warning the lawmaker that he would become the “laughing […]
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Marriage equality is up for grabs
The Supreme Court justices (in that very same Supreme Court building) are presently considering California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage. They are also considering the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Interestingly, attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies jointly filed the federal lawsuit that brought […]