The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which held that the pre-statehood reservation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was never formally disestablished for purposes of federal criminal law, created vast uncertainty, particularly as other “reservations” were discovered.
The question facing Oklahomans: Would McGirt provide tribal governments with civil authority over the state and non-Indians?
Last Saturday morning Oklahoma Auditor Cindy Byrd was the featured speaker at the McGraph Breakfast, an ongoing event held at various locations throughout the Tulsa metro for 35-years. The collective purpose is to break barriers and introduce leaders to each other. Invitees include elected officials, tribal leadership, and top business/community leaders.
Mike Mazzei, former Oklahoma Secretary of Finance currently running for Oklahoma Governor, introduced her and described Byrd as, “the one statewide official who is 100% doing her job effectively for the taxpayers of Oklahoma.”
Commentary: I’m reading a history of the interstate highway system, partially because I sense that the whole thing is widely overrated. Its construction massively disrupted the economics of small towns. It ruined the look and feel of large cities. The cost overruns were enormous and it took far longer to complete than anyone estimated.
One has to wonder what inspired this thing to which hardly anyone objected at the time. The United States had the world’s most marvelous system for passenger travel. It was built with treasure, blood, sweat, and tears. It was the achievement of the ages. After the Second World War, it could have been expanded. Instead it was abandoned for the car.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) announced Wednesday a groundbreaking partnership with PragerU to develop an assessment for teachers relocating from states with progressive education policies, such as California and New York, seeking certification to teach in Oklahoma schools. Effective immediately, this initiative will ensure that educators align with Oklahoma’s commitment to fostering an America First education rooted in truth, patriotism, and core values.
Citizens rallied with strong opposition Monday to a proposed data center on 506 acres of undeveloped land in Tulsa County just north of the Cherokee Industrial Park and directly west of significant well established residential neighborhoods. The power-elite were also in attendance at the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners meeting.
County Commissioners tabled the vote on the zoning change from agricultural to light industrial until a special meeting Wednesday, July 16 in apparent response to public outcry.
