NASCAR is setting the pace for the race for equality when last week they banned the Confederate flag from its events and properties. NASCAR stated, “The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR even...

It is interesting that, with all the advancements today in weaponry and defense, the thing that kills the most people is natural and too small to see with the naked eye. When we put so much emphasis o...

This week I do not have a clever opening. America is in pain and especially our black brothers and sisters. This is an understandable pain, especially when seen through the lens of American history. T...

After a hectic few weeks, the 57th Legislature has officially adjourned! We did leave open the possibility of coming back into session if a need arises; however, if we don’t come back by May 29, we wi...

Many Americans think of Memorial Day as a day off of work and an excuse to enjoy a long weekend marking the beginning of summer. But it is much more than just another holiday. Memorial Day is a day of...

What exactly is normal anymore? It is hard to imagine what the future will look like amidst the COVID-19 crisis and its long-term impact on everything from schools, workplaces, the public and our gene...

With the shutdown of everything non-essential and social distancing becoming the new normal, one area of concern is voting. At the very heart of our democracy is the ability to vote. However, if we el...

I have always been an outgoing child and for the most part I have continued to be a socially confident woman. I grew up believing the scriptures and Proverbs 18:24 states “A man (or woman) that hath f...

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. It has affected everyone differently and for some, stress and uncertainty may negatively impact their mental h...

Last week, the Oklahoma Legislature approved a balanced budget for the Fiscal Year 2021. The budget preserved education funding while other state agencies received cuts of approximately 4% or less. Ho...

We are experiencing an epidemic of violence in our tribal communities: 80 percent of Native men and women experience violence, 34 percent of Native women experience sexual violence in their lifetimes,...

A mother means more than just “a child bearer or woman who performs the role of caring for a child.” Though a mother’s sole purpose becomes carrying and caring for a life that is completely dependent ...

As I was driving home from my office this week and listening to talk radio, the host kept talking about how if everyone took 50 milligrams of zinc each day we could wipe out COVID-19. It seems like ov...

The Legislature reconvened last week after nearly a month of recess due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We took up several policy bills and then turned our focus to a number of bills that are necessary to f...

Age: 18 Class: 2020 Family: Extracurricular activities: Hanging with friends Interests: Women Awards: None FAVORITES: Food: Pizza Author: I don’t have one Holiday: Christmas Band or Singer: Kevin Gate...

(Ed. Note: Tokyo native Manatsu Ueno is preparing to graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a lot on her mind. Mana, as her fellow students call her, is in love with the natural world and was p...

As many are aware, our state budget has taken a massive hit in the recent COVID-19 pandemic. With the temporary closure of many businesses, and the subsequent loss of income and sales and use tax coll...

I worked with Dr. Tom Coburn for many years at what was then Muskogee Regional Medical Center. He was a good Christian man who lived it every day in the way he treated everyone. He loved the people of...

We are slowly edging closer to resuming our normal lives. This week, I was invited to a sneak peek of the outdoor StoryWalk at the Checotah Sports Complex. The trail includes sign posts where childre...

When you have a child, your life is forever changed. Everything you did before that child seems to only bring you to the reality of how much your life changed once that child came into your world. In ...