Walters, Treat, even Hofmeister call for removal of porn from TPS library; TPS Sup't wants them to "knock it off"

The social media activist Libs of TikTok has uncovered sexually explicit and graphic material available for students to access in the Tulsa Public Schools library system. Specifically discovered were the graphic books ‘Gender Queer’ and ‘Flamer’, which depict explicit depictions of sodomy. Oklahoma Secretary of Education Ryan Walters was the first public official that I'm aware of to speak out against it, but he's been joined now by as varied an assortment as Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R) and State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister (D). Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 28, 2022 at 08:35AM

Walters, Treat, even Hofmeister call for removal of porn from TPS library; TPS Sup't wants them to "knock it off" Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Election Board schedules post-election audits in 33 counties

Post-Election Audits Scheduled (Oklahoma City -- July 26th) Post-election audits authorized by 26 O.S. § 3-130 will be conducted on Thursday, July 28. County election board secretaries in thirty-three (33) counties will conduct a manual audit of ballots pursuant to the procedures established by the Secretary of the State Election Board. Thirty-six (36) different races are included in the audit. Audits are open to the public. Start times vary from county to county, but will begin between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please contact your County Election Board for more details. State law defines post-election audits as a "manual or electronic examination of a limited number of ballots” “for the purpose of maintaining the security of the election system by ensuring that voting devices and software used in a particular election correctly tabulated votes." Audit results cannot be used to change or alter certified election results. An audit report will be posted on the State Election Board website following the audit. Information, including a list of counties, ballot types, and races being audited, can be found on the State Election Board website. by Jamison Faught - July 27, 2022 at 02:37PM

State Election Board schedules post-election audits in 33 counties Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Group seeks reforms to restructure OK's electricity market, allow for choice and competition

This is definitely not my topic of expertise, but it's something to keep an eye on. AERO, Oklahoma Businesses, Seek Law Change Allowing Choice and Competition in Electricity Market OKLAHOMA CITY – The Alliance for Electrical Restructuring in Oklahoma (AERO) today announced that it will advocate for reforms during the 2023 legislative session that would restructure Oklahoma’s electricity market to allow for choice and competition. If successful, the effort would end the monopoly status of Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E), Public Service Co. of Oklahoma (PSO) and Liberty Utilities as brokers of electricity for commercial and industrial consumers. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 27, 2022 at 11:23AM

Group seeks reforms to restructure OK's electricity market, allow for choice and competition Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

CD2 runoff: Frix's horrible fiscal record examined

The 14-member 2nd Congressional District GOP primary has been whittled down to State Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) and former State Senator and Coburn staffer Josh Brecheen. Frix is posturing himself as a "next-gen MAGA warrior" who named a highway after Donald Trump, while Brecheen is campaigning as a proven conservative reformer. Frix received 14.74% of the primary vote, while Brecheen took 13.75%. Brecheen's record demonstrates deeply-held conservative principles. Frix, on the other hand, may be a registered Republican (now), but he's by no means the super-conservative fighter his campaign is depicting him as. In fact, on many issues, he's simply not conservative. At all.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 25, 2022 at 08:49AM

CD2 runoff: Frix's horrible fiscal record examined Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford aims to simplify application process for Federal disaster recovery assistance

Lankford Wants to Simplify Application Process for Federal Disaster Recovery Assistance OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) to introduce a bill that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a universal application across federal agencies for disaster survivors who are seeking federal assistance to recover from hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and more. Currently, individuals that require federal aid to recover from a disaster must fill out separate and detailed applications depending on what agency they need help from—a process that can take weeks or even months. This bill would streamline this process to reduce the burden on disaster survivors. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 24, 2022 at 03:08PM

Lankford aims to simplify application process for Federal disaster recovery assistance Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA column: Environmental policy folly is no laughing matter

Environmental policy folly is no laughing matter by Jonathan Small In states across the country and nations across the globe, politicians’ embrace of a “Green New Deal” style of environmental policy has often been a comedy of errors. But the real-world results are no laughing matter. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 23, 2022 at 03:01PM

OCPA column: Environmental policy folly is no laughing matter Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

When "smart" isn't smart: Texas power companies overriding home thermostats

We live in a "smart" age. Smartphones, smart TVs, smart appliances, smart thermostats, smart lights, smart this and smart that. But when is "smart" is not smart? Homeowners in Texas are discovering that their use of "smart" is infringing on the control they have in their most personal domain - that of their own house. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 22, 2022 at 08:04AM

When "smart" isn't smart: Texas power companies overriding home thermostats Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

David Derby endorses Josh Brecheen in CD2 runoff

State Rep. Avery Frix and former State Senator and Coburn staffer Josh Brecheen are in the August 23rd runoff election for the 2nd Congressional District seat, having squeeked into the runoff with 14.74% and 13.75% of the vote, respectively. Since the end of the runoff, Brecheen has been endorsed by several of the candidates who did not make the runoff, including John Bennett, Marty Quinn, and Wes Nofire. Here is the endorsement by former State Rep. David Derby, who finished eighth with 5.46% of the vote: Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 20, 2022 at 09:23AM

David Derby endorses Josh Brecheen in CD2 runoff Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Legislators file initiative petition for state question on freezing property tax for seniors

Former State Rep. David Dank would have been all on board with this proposal, which was a longterm goal of his when he passed away in 2015. Legislators File Petition to Add Senior Homestead Fair Cash Value Freeze State Question to Ballot OKLAHOMA CITY – A trio of state representatives recently filed an initiative petition to add an amendment to the state Constitution that would freeze the homestead fair cash value for individuals aged 65 and older. If enough signatures are gained (177,958 are needed), State Question 822 could be on the Nov. 8 ballot this year. The initiative petition was filed June 24 by Reps. Max Wolfley, R-Oklahoma City; Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City; and Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City. A challenge period ended July 15. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 19, 2022 at 04:37PM

Legislators file initiative petition for state question on freezing property tax for seniors Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

House Dems call for inflation relief following Panasonic picking KS over OK

The Democrats can't keep their language straight. Is is LGBT? LGBTQ? LGBTQ+? LGBTQIAAP? 2SLGBTG+? #2SLGBTQIAAPPABCXYZ+*? New letters (and now numbers) keep getting added to the back and the front. Which is it? Inquiring minds want to know. How dare you leave somebody out. That's bigoted... or something. [insert massive eyerolls] House Democrats Call for Immediate Inflation Relief for Oklahoma Families OKLAHOMA CITY -- House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, held a press conference Thursday morning to call for immediate inflation relief for Oklahoma families.  Democrats expressed the need for financial relief for Oklahoma families before the 2022 legislative session began. A month and a half past the conclusion of the legislative session, the Republican supermajority has failed to follow through. “We have had opportunities recently to provide relief,” Virgin said. “House Republicans and Governor Stitt joined House Democrats to call for an end to the state grocery tax. Democrats called for an end to the fuel tax, but Republicans tabled that measure.” The Democratic Caucus renewed the call for immediate inflation relief in the wake of Panasonic rejecting a more than $700 million tax incentive.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 19, 2022 at 01:34PM

House Dems call for inflation relief following Panasonic picking KS over OK Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

CD2 runoff: Wes Nofire endorses Josh Brecheen

The 14-member GOP primary in the 2nd Congressional District ended with State Rep. Avery Frix and former State Senator and Coburn staffer Josh Brecheen squeeking by into the runoff, with 14.74% and 13.75%, respectively. Since the end of the runoff, Brecheen has been endorsed by several of the candidates who did not make the runoff, including John Bennett and Marty Quinn. Here is the endorsement by Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor Wes Nofire, who placed seventh with 6.32% of the vote: Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 19, 2022 at 10:05AM

CD2 runoff: Wes Nofire endorses Josh Brecheen Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

AG O'Connor celebrates Oklahoma's multiple wins in recent SCOTUS term

SCOTUS Summary 2021-22: Oklahoma Wins Multiple Cases on Key Issues OKLAHOMA CITY (July 13th) - On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) issued its final opinions for the 2021-22 term, a year in which the State of Oklahoma enjoyed overwhelming success protecting Oklahomans and their constitutional rights.    The U.S. Supreme Court issued 66 formal opinions this term, according to SCOTUSblog. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office participated in 21 of these 66 cases—winning 15. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 19, 2022 at 08:20AM

AG O'Connor celebrates Oklahoma's multiple wins in recent SCOTUS term Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Gov. Stitt endorses Kim David in Corporation Commission runoff

I would like to point out that Kim David has one of the worst records on tax hikes.  Governor Stitt endorses Kim David for Corporation Commissioner Says she is a conservative leader with a strong track record Oklahoma City: Kim David announced today that Governor Kevin Stitt has endorsed her run for Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 18, 2022 at 01:00PM

Gov. Stitt endorses Kim David in Corporation Commission runoff Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OK County DA Runoff: former OKC Mayor Mick Cornett endorses Calvey

MICK CORNETT ENDORSES CALVEY FOR D.A. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 17, 2022) – Former Oklahoma City mayor, Mick Cornett, has officially endorsed Kevin Calvey in the primary runoff election for Oklahoma County District Attorney. Calvey faces a runoff election after garnering 49.97% of the four-candidate primary vote.  "Kevin Calvey has proven he has the integrity, grit, and competence to be a great District Attorney. I hope you'll join me in supporting him,” Mick Cornett announced.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 18, 2022 at 09:45AM

OK County DA Runoff: former OKC Mayor Mick Cornett endorses Calvey Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

TW Shannon to campaign in Muskogee on Thursday

U.S. Senate candidate T.W. Shannon will be making a visit to Muskogee this Thursday during his 100-stop town hall series. Shannon, a former Oklahoma State House Speaker, is in the August 23rd runoff election with Congressman Markwayne Mullin. Both are seeking to replace retiring U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe. Shannon's Muskogee town hall will be Thursday at 8:30am, at The Break, located at 310 S. 3rd Street in downtown Muskogee. by Jamison Faught - July 18, 2022 at 07:48AM

TW Shannon to campaign in Muskogee on Thursday Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Pinnell: Oklahoma ranks #1 in high school teaching aviation curriculum

LT. GOVERNOR PINNELL ANNOUNCES OKLAHOMA RANKS #1 IN HIGH SCHOOLS TEACHING AVIATION CURRICULUM OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (July 13th) – On Tuesday, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced that Oklahoma ranks first in the nation for high schools teaching aviation curriculum. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, 57 school districts across the state will implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)’s four-year “You Can Fly” High School Curriculum. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 15, 2022 at 02:23PM

Pinnell: Oklahoma ranks #1 in high school teaching aviation curriculum Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Muskogee GOP lunch today: Gary Jones on dark money and ethics reform

Former two-term Oklahoma State Auditor Gary Jones will be speaking at today's Muskogee Republican lunch on the topic of political dark money and the need for ethics reform in Oklahoma. The weekly, informal lunch gathering takes place on Fridays at noon at Mahylon's Barbecue, located at 3301 Chandler Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403. If you're in Muskogee today, you won't want to miss this! by Jamison Faught - July 15, 2022 at 08:56AM

Muskogee GOP lunch today: Gary Jones on dark money and ethics reform Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

T.W. Shannon campaign launches 100-stop town hall series

I got busy and was unable to get this posted yesterday, but here is some news from U.S. Senate candidate T.W. Shannon: T.W. Shannon Campaign Launches Town Hall Series (July 14th) The T.W. For Senate campaign [started yesterday] the “Don’t Give Up on America Town Hall Series” with the first stop in Bartlesville. The Oklahoma City Banker and former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives will make 100 stops before Election Day on August 23rd. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 15, 2022 at 08:23AM

T.W. Shannon campaign launches 100-stop town hall series Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Recounts confirm vote count accuracy in three tight races

Recounts Confirm Outcome of Three Primary Elections, Oklahoma County DA Race Headed to Runoff (Oklahoma City, July 13th) – Recounts in the Oklahoma County District Attorney, District 7 Republican Primary, McIntosh County Commissioner, District 3 Democratic Primary, and the Nowata County Assessor Republican Primary have each confirmed the outcomes of those elections. Last week’s recounts in McIntosh and Nowata counties exactly matched the election results. The Oklahoma County recount was completed today and confirmed that the Republican Primary for District Attorney is headed to the August 23 Runoff. Out of nearly 58,000 ballots that were recounted by hand in Oklahoma County, only six changes occurred from the original count: Robert W. Gray (+2), Gayland Gieger (+2) and Kevin Calvey (+2). “Recounts are an important part of the election process, and these recounts proved once again that Oklahoma has one of the most accurate and secure voting systems in the entire world. That is something that every Oklahoman can be proud of,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 15, 2022 at 08:23AM

Recounts confirm vote count accuracy in three tight races Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

CD2 runoff: James Dobson endorses Josh Brecheen

Conservative champion Josh Brecheen has received yet another endorsement in the 2nd Congressional District GOP runoff election. Since the primary, he has received the support of fellow candidates John Bennett (4th place with 11.3%), Marty Quinn (6th place with 7.3%), Wes Nofire (7th place with 6.2%), and David Derby (8th place with 5.5%).  Joining those in endorsing Brecheen is world-renowned Christian author and the founder of Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 13, 2022 at 05:45PM

CD2 runoff: James Dobson endorses Josh Brecheen Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Fair: Pot on the ballot will lead Oklahoma to the wrong type of Top 10 State

From longtime conservative activists and blogger/columnist Steve Fair: POT ON THE BALLOT! by Steve Fair Four years ago, Oklahoma passed State Question #788 57% to 43% which legalized medical marijuana.  The poorly crafted initiative petition was vague and lacked detail about implementation and oversight.  The state legislature has spent a great deal of time since 2018 putting meat on the 788 bones.  Legislation regulating growing and distribution has resulted in the Sooner state becoming a magnet for grow operations and dispensaries.   Oklahoma has more weed growers (9,000+) than California, a state with ten times the population.  One reason is the cost of $2,500 to get a license in Oklahoma, as opposed to $100,000 in bordering Arkansas.  There is also no cap on the number of dispensaries or grow operations in the state, but that may be changing in the future.  About 12% of Oklahomans have a ‘medical marijuana’ card.  Clearly much of the pot grown in Oklahoma is being shipped out of the state- which is in violation of state and federal law.  If all the weed grown by Oklahoma growers were being consumed by Sooner residents, the dispensaries would be selling it by the bale, not the joint.     Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 13, 2022 at 01:37PM

Fair: Pot on the ballot will lead Oklahoma to the wrong type of Top 10 State Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford opposes gun-control advocate nominee to lead ATF

Lankford Opposes Gun-control Advocate Nominee to Lead ATF WASHINGTON, DC (July 12th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement after voting to oppose the nomination of Steven Dettelbach, who was confirmed today to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) within the Department of Justice (DOJ: Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 13, 2022 at 10:30AM

Lankford opposes gun-control advocate nominee to lead ATF Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Rep. Humphrey asks Attorney General to sue Biden admin over border invasion

Humphrey Asks State AG to Sue Biden Admin over Border Invasion OKLAHOMA CITY (July 12th) – Rep. Justin JJ Humphrey, R-Lane, has presented Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor with a proposed lawsuit against the Biden Administration for what he calls an utter failure to protect the nation's borders. "Article 4, Section 4 of the United States Constitution plainly outlines that protecting our nation's border is one of the basic functions of government," Humphrey said. "Biden's inept Administration is sanctioning millions of undocumented people who are entering our country illegally to overrun our nation. Biden's dereliction of defending the border has indisputably resulted in an enormous increase in drugs, human trafficking and illegal immigrants harming all U.S. citizens and all Oklahomans." Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 13, 2022 at 07:38AM

State Rep. Humphrey asks Attorney General to sue Biden admin over border invasion Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA President files complaint against Rep. Anthony Moore over frivolous, political protective orders

OCPA President files complaint against Rep. Anthony Moore Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, today filed a complaint with the Oklahoma State Bar Association against Rep. Anthony Moore, an attorney and former prosecutor. The complaint shows the blatant legal flaws in the protective orders that Moore admits assisting his spouse to file against Small and other OCPA staff members. Moore, as an attorney and former prosecutor, knows the law and is bound by the rules of legal ethics not to abuse the judicial process for his own political purposes. Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 12, 2022 at 10:50AM

OCPA President files complaint against Rep. Anthony Moore over frivolous, political protective orders Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Trump endorses Mullin in U.S. Senate runoff

Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump endorses Congressman Markwayne Mullin in his bid to replace retiring U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe. Mullin is facing former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon in the August 23rd GOP runoff election.Read more » by Jamison Faught - July 11, 2022 at 03:00PM

Trump endorses Mullin in U.S. Senate runoff Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico