Oklahoma Recap
News of interest from the month of May showers
My takeaways from last month in Oklahoma …
Gov. Stitt Signs Legislation Allowing Police to Arrest Illegal Aliens
New legislation signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt makes “impermissible occupation” a crime, which means law enforcement officials may arrest illegal aliens. Impermissible occupation occurs when a person willfully and without permission enters and remains in the state of Oklahoma without having first obtained legal authorization to enter the United States.
Stitt said the intent of the legislation is to pressure the Biden administration to do their jobs on immigration and to give law enforcement more tools.
Robert F. Kennedy is on the November Ballot for Oklahoma
Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is officially on the ballot in Oklahoma for the November election. The campaign filed its statement of candidacy and electors, and paid the $35,000 fee to secure ballot access on May 9.
Kennedy video released in May: One of the most impactful videos I’ve seen in a long time … with narration by actor Woody Harrelson. Love Woody!
State Schools Superintendent Says No Satanists in Oklahoma Schools
Satanism: “It’s not a religion,” says State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
Oklahoma Attorney General, Dept. of Education File Suits Against Biden Administration over Title IX
The Oklahoma Attorney General and the Dept. of Education have filed separate lawsuits against the Biden Administration related to Title IX changes, claiming the new rules would harm female students. Title IX was enacted in 1972 and prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools that receive federal government funds. One of the first and most effective uses of Title IX was to correct the imbalance between male and female student-athletes.
Foster Family Shortage Moves Kids out of their Communities
Without enough foster families to support the more than 5,100 children in Oklahoma’s child welfare system, many children are moved hours from their homes, increasing the strain on youth, foster parents, case workers and families trying to regain custody.
A Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine at sea.
A New Nuclear Submarine is Coming to the Waters: The U.S.S. Oklahoma
The U.S. Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding are constructing the U.S.S. Oklahoma, the 29th Virginia Class, Fast Attack Nuclear Submarine. Featuring advanced stealth capabilities that make it virtually undetectable in water, the submarine will carry Tomahawk Missiles and MK-48 torpedoes and be staffed by 132 sailors and 18 officers. It is being built in Groton, Conn. and Newport News, Va.
No military ship or submarine has carried the name “Oklahoma” since the battleship U.S.S. Oklahoma was sunk at Pearl Harbor in the Japanese attack on the U.S. naval fleet in 1941.
Chef Jeff Chanchaleune, a Finalist Nominee, the 2024 James Beard Awards for Best Chef, Southwest, offers the “bold, funky and addicting” in his amazing Laotian cuisine. Eating here is a wonderful food adventure in discovering something completely new.
Mercy Chefs in Oklahoma
The town of Sulphur, Oklahoma, was hit earlier this month by a tornado and winds of 135 to 165 mph. Mercy Chefs was there to help. They’ve also been providing meals in other areas hit by tornados in Oklahoma last month, including Claremore.
Founded in 2006, Mercy Chefs is a faith-based nonprofit disaster and humanitarian relief organization. The group provides professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to those impacted by natural disasters and emergencies, including victims, volunteers and first responders. Mercy Chefs partner with other like-minded organizations to further their mission by delivering food service in underserved communities across the country and around the world.
Learn more about the response in Claremore and how to volunteer or donate here.
OKC Animal Shelter is at Capacity
OKC Animal Welfare needs your help!
Cat season brings in a flurry of tiny paws, which means foster parents are needed to guide the kittens through their tender beginnings. Also needed is help transporting cats for a no-cost spaying or neutering procedure to help curb feline overpopulation and ensure their health.
Right now the shelter is at capacity for both dogs and cats. Can you bring an animal or animals into your home?
Visit okc.gov/animalwelfare to learn how to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate, as well as the process for spaying and neutering animals.
The OKC Animal Shelter, 2811 SE 29th Street, is open for adoptions from Noon to 5pm, Tue. to Sat.
OKC Animal Shelter report from the OKC Public Information & Marketing Office
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, August 12, 9am - Noon
Fast & Furry
Car show and dogs? Why not!
Check out cars and meet adoptable dogs. Adoptions from Noon - 5pm.
Help support the animals! Bring a bag of dry dog or cat food for the Pet Food Bank.
2811 SE 29th Street, Oklahoma City
Questions? Contact Natalie at natalie.white@okc.gov
#AllAdoptionsLeadToHome #AliveInthe405
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Oklahoma Redux is published by Maria Fotopoulos.
If you write it, they will read.