You’ll read versions of this just about everywhere today:
The Oklahoman led with, “State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters called for another $3 million to provide a Bible in every public school classroom.“
Oklahoma Voice: “Oklahoma’s top education official and school board will ask the state Legislature for an extra $3 million in public funds to purchase a Bible for every public school classroom and $500,000 for firearms training for school staff.”
Tulsa World: “The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a budget request Thursday for the coming fiscal year that will include money for Bibles and open carry training for teachers. “
“We’re not buying a book and pushing it because of a religion we’re pushing,” Walters said. “We’re doing it to be historically accurate.”
Walters did not mention how the Torah or Quran might affect historical accuracy.
More worth reading:
Wagoner County to Pay $13.5 Million in Jail Death Case
The estate of a woman who died in the Wagoner County jail will receive $13.5 million as part of a federal civil rights lawsuit settlement. “This is a pattern,” said Dan Smolen, the attorney who represented Angela Liggans’ estate. “Oklahoma — and eastern Oklahoma in particular — has a crisis on its hands. The medical care provided in our jails is dangerously defective. People are dying as a result.” [Tulsa World]
DHS Puts Controversial Eligibility Change on Hold
A state agency has halted controversial rule changes that would change eligibility standards and reimbursement rates for child care subsidies. Oklahoma Human Services officials announced they withdrew the proposed rules to address budget concerns and to allow more time for public input. The agency has voiced concerns that with the end COVID relief funding, its current spending is unsustainable. [Oklahoma Voice]
No Clemency for Littlejohn
Despite a recommendation from Oklahoma’s Pardon and Parole Board to grant him clemency, the state carried out the execution of Emmanuel Littlejohn Thursday morning. [NonDoc]
Cherokees Could Stop Issuing Car Tags Outside Reservation
The Cherokee Nation will stop issuing car tags to its citizens who live outside its reservation if a disagreement between the tribe and Gov. Kevin Stitt can’t be worked out soon, Cherokee Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. [Tulsa World]
Chesapeake to Rebrand After Merger
Chesapeake Energy announced that its merger with Southwestern Energy Co. is expected to close in October, and the companies have released their new name. The company will assume the name Expand Energy Corp. and will start public trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol EXE at the open of trading the day after closing. The combined company will be the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. [KOCO]
The broad-headed skink, also known as the painted dragon, is the largest lizard species in Oklahoma, growing up to 12.5 inches in length.
Ciao for now,
Ted Streuli
Executive Director, Oklahoma Watch
tstreuli@oklahomawatch.org
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