Articles
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Culture & the Family
Transgender ‘affirmation’ has long-term consequences, Oklahoma City psychiatrist says
Affirming a child’s belief that he or she is actually the opposite gender puts that child on a fast-track to medical interventions that have severe, lifelong side effects.Ray Carter | August 10, 2023
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Law & Principles
Oklahoma lawmakers’ actions may have dramatic impact
State-tribal tobacco compacts, recently enacted by lawmakers over Gov. Kevin Stitt’s objections, contain language that federal records indicate could allow tribes to claim a dramatic expansion of territory subject to the compacts, potentially diverting tens of millions of dollars in tax collections away from the state.Ray Carter | August 8, 2023
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Budget & Tax
As state savings grow, Stitt renews call to cut taxes
Oklahoma state government’s budget year ended on June 30 with significant surplus revenue that boosted state savings, leading Gov. Kevin Stitt to renew his call to cut taxes.Ray Carter | August 7, 2023
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Law & Principles
Cherokee tribe claims jurisdiction in state-run election
The Cherokee tribe has claimed it has the power to investigate a state-run election, inserting the tribe into the civic affairs of a small Oklahoma community whose citizens include non-Indians who have no representation in Cherokee Nation government.Ray Carter | August 4, 2023
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Education
Tulsa schools linked to Chinese Communist entity
Chinese Communist Party-sponsored groups are linked to Tulsa Public Schools, according to a new report.Ray Carter | August 3, 2023
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Law & Principles, Culture & the Family
Stitt signs order protecting women’s rights
Filling in gaps left by legislative inactivity, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order that bars males from being allowed in female-only facilities and events.Ray Carter | August 1, 2023
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Law & Principles
In move that could cost state millions, House overrides Stitt
In a move that could threaten tens of millions of dollars in state funding for health care programs, members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives have voted to override Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto of legislation authorizing, in effect, new one-year state-tribal compacts on tobacco.Ray Carter | July 31, 2023
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Organized crime exploiting tribal car-tag loopholes
Oklahoma is the hub of transnational organized crime, says the commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. Drug dealers and human traffickers are using unregistered tribal plates to move people and product around the country.Ray Carter | July 28, 2023
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Education
Tulsa schools could face accreditation downgrade
Members of the State Board of Education opted to take no action on Tulsa Public Schools’ accreditation during the group’s July meeting. But State Superintendent Ryan Walters indicated there are significant problems in the Tulsa district that could lead to an accreditation downgrade in August.Ray Carter | July 27, 2023
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Law enforcement: Unregistered tribal tags endanger police
Most tribal license tags are not registered with the state, thus endangering police officers during routine stops. Moreover, tribal courts’ lack of transparency has made it possible for many repeat drunk drivers to remain on Oklahoma roads.Ray Carter | July 26, 2023