ADVOCACY OKLAHOMA CITY - I want to start by saying “thank you” to the governor and Oklahoma’s legislative leaders for the commitment to allocate $1 million in state funds per week over the next seven ...

Last week I had one of my regulars drop by to get our weekly newspaper. As he glanced at the headlines, he commented on the “Man injured diving into shallow water.” He stated that the young man was a ...

OKLAHOMA CITY – One of my goals with the “For the Children” weekly column is to keep people aware of issues involving child advocacy and policy updates so individuals and organizations can champion so...

The interim is still underway at the State Capitol. Much of our work during this period centers on preparing for and participating in interim studies. These studies provide us the opportunity to take ...

Article I, Section 5, Clauses 3 and 4 of our Constitution proves there are some areas of the government where everyone actually can agree — well almost. Clause 3 states, “Each House shall keep a Journ...

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Unfortunately for Oklahoma students and their families, our schools have gone from bad to worse since Gov. Stitt first appointed Ryan Walters as Secretary of Education. We have gone f...

CHECOTAH - Margaret Ann Davidson, 82, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025. A memorial service will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 1 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church in Checotah. C...

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Saturday, July 26, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) held our annual Heroes Ball Gala at OKANA Water Park and Resort. The event drew nearly 500 people who support our...

She’s not trying to be difficult. She’s just done narrating her life to look a certain way to make you feel more comfortable while she remains miserable. She’s not trying to be melancholy or moody. Sh...

Black market marijuana has created a Wild West scenario in Oklahoma. These are stats given to me by the Haskell County sheriff on seizures within the last six months in Haskell County. He’s shut down ...

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Oklahoma Press Association Conference at the Grand in Shawnee with my colleagues from several sister newspapers. On Saturday night, I had th...

OKLAHOMA CITY – As we continue our examination of the massive federal legislation called the “Big Beautiful Bill” by proponents, it is important to look at the education portion of the bill. As you ca...

Friday morning, severe storms came through our House district. I’ve been in contact with authorities districtwide along with electric crews and stand ready to assist with any needs in any way possible...

Imagine being tiny and defenseless and being tossed out like trash on the road where the only shelter you had was the thicket of wild brush poking at your tender pink skin. That was the reality of fiv...

I am excited to share that at least eight of the rural fire departments within House District 15 have been awarded grants to purchase new gear ranging from trucks, Jaws of Life and personal protective...

The final days of the first session of the 60th Legislature have been full as lawmakers worked to finalize legislation and pass the state budget. This week, I presented the Senate amendments to House ...

OKLAHOMA CITY – Prior to the Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1, commonly called the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Act. The vote of 215-214 fell almost exactly on a party-line...

Regard: Technician, Marcus Ford, Blackburn Plumbing & Air of Eastern Oklahoma, LLC First, I must say that I have not filled out the survey you sent to my e-mail, simply because I do not like to do tha...

A bill that would give prosecutors the discretion to seek the death penalty on a first conviction for child rape is moving to the governor after final passage in the Senate this week. Senate Bill 599 ...

OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders have announced an agreement for the key elements to the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget. The plan for the estimated $12.6 billion budget includes...