Walters' state wallet, tribal suspension response, and license to journalism
VNN Weekly Digest January 15-21
Here’s a look at the week’s top stories:
Oklahoma paid for Ryan Walters’ travel for speaking engagements, media appearances and a horror movie premiere
(OKLAHOMA) State Superintendent Ryan Walters jetted to Washington D.C. for media appearances and policy meetings, hobnobbed with conservative pundits at a movie premiere in Texas and spoke at conferences on education reform in Philadelphia and Denver — all while billing Oklahoma for his travel. Walters filed more than $4,000 in claims for out-of-state travel expenses during his first year in office, according to reimbursement forms obtained by The Frontier.
Tribal leadership responds to the suspension of commissions by the Grand River Dam Authority
(MUSCOGEE NATION) The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) suspended the commission of Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse officers and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service on Friday, Jan 5. The GRDA stated in a letter to the Cherokee Nation that while it is not taking action to terminate the cross-deputization agreements, it will be suspending the commissions until after recommendations are made from the One Oklahoma Task Force.
Oklahoma lawmaker files bill to mandate journalism licenses and other requirements
(OKLAHOMA) An Oklahoma lawmaker filed legislation to create the "Common Sense Freedom of Press Control Act" Wednesday, aimed at mandating journalism licensing, propaganda-free training, and drug testing for news media workers and companies. The bill, filed by Oklahoma State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow), is directed toward “any media outlet that includes opinions at any time in its print, broadcast, or other means of distribution”.
Uplifting Update
Overcomer comes full circle with launch of new micro café in Tulsa
(OKLAHOMA) Living in Oklahoma, a state that frequently tops the list in female incarceration, Maria Morris knows first-hand how easy it is to suddenly be facing decades in prison. In 2018, Morris’ 1-year-old daughter Carabelle died in a house fire. To make matters worse, she was arrested and charged with child neglect.
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WEATHER ACROSS AMERICA
(NATIONAL) Heavy rain and freezing rain over parts of the Southern Plains and Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley, moderate rain and freezing rain over parts of the Great Lakes/northern Ohio Valley, heavy snow for the Sierra Nevada Mountains, higher elevation snow across the West, and moderate to heavy snow over the Great Lakes.
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