Oklahoma legislators recently introduced a bill mandating that all public universities construct a “Charlie Kirk Memorial Plaza” with a statue and signage honoring the deceased conservative activist, or face fines. This legislation follows tributes comparing Kirk to civil rights leaders, despite his past criticisms of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. The bill requires legislative approval of the memorial design and includes measures to protect the plaza from vandalism. However, this proposal comes amidst research revealing significant disagreement with Kirk’s views among college students, and criticism from religious leaders who disagree with these comparisons.
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The maternal grandmother of an 11-year-old girl who gave birth was charged with six counts of felony child neglect after prosecutors alleged she knew about the pregnancy and failed to report it, along with failing to provide adequate care for the girl and five other children in the home. Michelle Justus, the children’s “caretaker,” is accused of allowing the children to live in deplorable conditions and failing to provide medical care and supervision. The girl’s mother and stepfather were previously arrested and charged, with the stepfather revealed to be the baby’s father. The other children were removed from the home.
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Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers, a vocal Christian nationalist, views the separation of church and state as “blasphemous” and a belittlement of Jesus Christ’s authority. Deevers believes the government’s fundamental role is to convert people to Christianity and extend Christ’s dominion over all aspects of life. He has openly advocated for policies that reflect this belief, including abolishing abortion and outlawing same-sex marriage, as outlined in the “Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel.” Deevers’ views and actions align him with other radical Christian nationalists, further solidifying his commitment to establishing a Christian theocracy.
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To ensure teachers from states like California and New York are not promoting “woke” ideologies, PragerU and the Oklahoma State Department of Education have developed a 34-question assessment. This test covers topics ranging from presidential history and Supreme Court decisions to gender identity. According to State Superintendent Ryan Walters, the assessment aims to protect Oklahoma classrooms from “radical leftist ideology.” Passing the test leads to a PragerU Teacher Certificate, signifying a commitment to traditional values.
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Oklahoma now requires teachers from California and New York to pass a 34-question “America First” certification test developed with PragerU. State Superintendent Ryan Walters asserts the exam protects Oklahoma classrooms from “radical leftist ideology” by ensuring teachers reflect “American values.” The test includes questions on civics, history, gender, and identity, and critics view it as a political loyalty test, potentially worsening the teacher shortage. The initiative, which has already garnered interest from other states, has been met with warnings from opponents who fear the impact on recruitment.
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State Representative Ty Burns pleaded guilty to domestic abuse and assault charges after investigations revealed he attempted to run his van off the road with his daughter inside and tried to gouge out his wife’s eye. The incidents occurred in November 2024 and April 2025, with his daughter expressing fear that he would kill her during the vehicle chase. Burns received a one-year suspended sentence and was ordered to complete a batterer’s intervention program, also stepping down from his role as chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee. Following the guilty plea, Burns expressed regret and took responsibility for his actions, citing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Dustin Walker, 34, has been arrested and charged with child sexual abuse after DNA tests confirmed he is the father of his 11-year-old stepdaughter’s newborn. Initially charged with child neglect, the charges were amended after the DNA results. Cherie Walker, 33, the child’s mother, was charged with enabling child sexual abuse, along with six counts of felony child neglect, for the newborn and five other children that they share, due to unsanitary living conditions. The children have been removed from the home, and the couple’s bond was set at $100,000 each.
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An Oklahoma Republican representative defended a PragerU Kids video on national television that is part of the state’s elementary school curriculum. The video, “Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World,” features cartoon characters interviewing Columbus and discussing his actions, including slavery. Critics like Brett Chapman and Jabee Williams have condemned the video as racist and minimizing the horrors of slavery. Representative Woolley defended the video as a supplemental educational tool, claiming its remarks about slavery were being misconstrued and that the video aims to provide context about Columbus’s actions within a historical setting.
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OK Rep. defends history cartoon claiming slavery was ‘better than being killed’ is a truly disheartening headline, isn’t it? It’s the kind of statement that makes you question the very foundations of historical understanding and basic human decency. The fact that a public official would defend a narrative that frames slavery as a preferable outcome is not just wrong, it’s a profound betrayal of the values this nation claims to hold.
It appears this defense stems from a cartoon series aimed at children, a partnership between the Oklahoma State Department of Education and PragerU. This is particularly concerning, given the influence such content can have on young, impressionable minds.… Continue reading
Oklahoma will require teachers from New York and California to pass a new “America First” certification test, designed to ensure educators align with the state’s conservative values. The test will evaluate knowledge of American history, including controversial claims about the 2020 election, and adherence to Oklahoma’s stance on issues like gender identity. State Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test’s purpose is to prevent the “indoctrination” of students. Teacher unions have criticized the move, arguing it will deter qualified educators and exacerbate existing teacher shortages.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood