State Budget leaders last week received certified revenue figures authorizing the appropriation of up to $12.3 billion for the state budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which starts in July. This is about $1...

As legislators, our top priority is ensuring the wellbeing and security of the people we serve. This week, I am proud to highlight two key legislative efforts that will have a meaningful impact on Okl...

Amongst the many perceived controversies of Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president are some of his choices for cabinet secretaries. Of the 15 secretary positions, so far 11 have been confirmed b...

Snow days can be fun days to remember, at least when you are a kid. I am considered a winter baby being born on Dec. 30, 1968. However, the older I get, the colder I get and I’m not as fond of winter ...

OKLAHOMA CITY - Some say that deaths occur in “threes,” and for Oklahomans that was truly the case last week with a trio of remarkable individuals who each had an impact on those in their circle of li...

--------------- current events through a historical lens------------------------ Section III of Article I of the Constitution is all about the Senate. When reading the original Section III before mode...

OKLAHOMA CITY – As we approach Christmas and the other holidays celebrated during this time of year, many will have joyous moments, while others will endure sadness. I want to extend heartfelt appreci...

Every year as I approach my birthday and the end of the year, I often reflect on where I’ve been and where I still want to go physically, mentally and spiritually. I know life sometimes takes us by su...

I recently was named vice chair of the House Appropriations Public Safety Commi t tee. In this position, I will help oversee legislation related to funding for the state’s public safety agencies. Thes...

Four hours of music and food for only $5 bucks. We are so excited to celebrate this wonderful Christmas Season with family and friends, We can’t hardly wait for our Gospel and Country Shows this New Y...

Wow! I can’t believe another year is wrapping up. The saying “How quickly time flies when you’re having fun” should say “How quickly time flies whether you’re having fun or just trying to survive the ...

OKLAHOMA CITY - The deadline for submission of ideas for the upcoming legislative session was Friday, December 6, and lawmakers were turning in their concepts for bills up to the final moment. The Okl...

The Checotah High School Junior Class Prom Committee would like to say “THANK YOU” to everyone who supported their Bingo Night 2024. Thanks to those who attended the event and a special thanks to the ...

During my travels this summer I made my way across Ireland and Scotland and fell in love with the beauty and the rich history of these countries. During my stay, by far my favorite evenings were the o...

Having just had a week of celebrating Thanksiving, family, friends, high school football semináis and even some crazy college football overtime (Georgia vs Georgia Techs 8 OTs was insane), I think we ...

OKLAHOMA CITY - The 2024 Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) Fall Forum wrapped up last week with more than 100 conference attendees spending part of four days helping shape a legislative age...

---------------- current events through a historical lens------------------------ Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has announced that State Question 832 will be included on the June 16, 2026, ballot. Thi...

I was 42 years old when I lost my father. He was only 67 and I can remember thinking he was way too young to die. I still needed the discernment of my father. My children still needed the training onl...

Oklahomans took to the polls Tuesday, June 18 to choose their party’s candidates for several positions including the U.S. House of Representatives. The presumptive winners will most likely come from t...

OKLAHOMA CITY - Eight out of 10 Americans celebrated the Easter holiday Sunday, according to the National Retail Federation. It is a day of great religious significance for the 63% of Americans who cl...