Drummond South Ranch for Sale

By David Arnett

It is a stunning property, huge, historic, and owned by the family of Oklahoma’s current Attorney General, but why, after 100 years, would it go up for sale? Some speculate the McGirt Decision or the new feature movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” may have come into consideration. Others suggest it is economics or aging leadership or could it be politics? Over 8,000 acres are under fence, just a thirty-minute drive from Tulsa.

From ethics reports, Attorney General Gentner Drummond loaned his campaign millions. In Oklahoma, you can earn 10% on that money as it may be paid back from contributors, but that is a lot of money out-of-pocket by any standard. Is this property sale to pay campaign debt or finance a bid for governor?

AG Drummond was the beneficiary of dark money with tribal connections and outright donations from tribal leaders. Is it possible that from his personal perspective, the McGirt Decision may return ownership of land to native tribes? That happened in South Africa where land owned for generations by farmers was given to native people once the South African Courts got involved. Is all Northeast Oklahoma, to say nothing of Tulsa, at risk? Does the family see writing on the wall?

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Intensive Ivermectin: 74% Lower Deaths

By David Arnett

Analysis: A new peer-reviewed study published by Cureus (Part of Springer Nature Group) August 8 found a 74 percent reduction in excess deaths in 10 states in Peru with the most intensive ivermectin use over a 30-day period following peak deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is contrary to past public health official assertions for treatment.

When ivermectin was available without restriction, there was a fourteenfold reduction in nationwide excess deaths. Once access to ivermectin was restricted by the government, a thirteenfold increase in excess deaths was observed in the two months following the limitation of its use. The findings align with summary data from the World Health Organization for the same time period in Peru.

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OU gets national attention – wrong

By Jonathan Small

The University of Oklahoma recently made national news—for the wrong reasons.

An investigation by The Wall Street Journal found that some of the United States’ best-known public universities “have been on an unfettered spending spree” with the bill “passed” on to students—and OU was identified as one of the worst offenders.

Between 2002 and 2022, the Journal found enrollment at OU increased 15 percent, but tuition increased by 36 percent even after adjusting for inflation. And, once student fees were included, the combined rate of growth was even more dramatic.

“At the University of Oklahoma, per-student tuition and fees rose 166%, the most of any flagship,” the Journal reported.

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Rep. Martinez to resign September 1 – in context

By Patrick B. McGuigan, The City Sentinel

Oklahoma City –- Representative Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, plans to resign from his legislative seat effective September 1, 2023. He pleaded guilty on August 1 to physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated, a felony. It also known as “non-driving DUI.”

Last year, Martinez was charged with control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He failed a field sobriety test on October 26, 2022, secured release from jail, and was charged with a felony in late December. Martinez had a prior case of driving under the influence in 2014.

The legislator verbally attacked Governor Kevin Stitt in 2022 over Stitt’s position concerning tribal court orders. He was a persistent critic of the chief executive officer’s position countering efforts by the state’s largest tribes to assert control over up to 42 percent of the state.

Martinez verbally attacked the state’s chief executive officer over one of his 2022 vetoes, involving legislation supporting tribal court orders impacting the Department of Public Safety. He called the governor – a member of the Cherokee Nation – “racist,” having previously derided Stitt over his plans for ARPA funds.

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Tulsa August Rental Activity Jumps

By David Arnett

Renting is now the new buying, thanks to Bidenomics, as high home prices and the peak rental season bring out more renters looking for apartments. But, which cities are seeing the most listing activity and attracting the most attention from apartment hunters?

For the first time ever, Tulsa has entered the list of the top 30 most popular cities for renters, after climbing a remarkable 48 places since last month. This month it ranks 28th, surpassing much bigger renter hubs, such as Manhattan, NY, in terms of popularity. 

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