Opinion

Nothing is more important to Newcastle than the safety of our students, staff, guests and fans. In light of recent acts of violence at Oklahoma high school football games, Newcastle Public Schools is implementing the following protocols to help increase the safety of all individuals in attendance at Newcastle home events for all sports.

Monday marked the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, a solemn and devastating day for our nation, and the world, when nearly 3,000 American lives were tragically lost to terrorism. Those of us who were old enough to recognize the gravity of the situation that day were forever changed. Today, 9/11 is recognized as Patriot Day because after the attacks Americans banded together like never before Neighbors helped neighbors. American flags and patriotic ribbons were proudly displayed.

Oklahoma followed Florida, making PragerU content available in public schools. State Superintendent of Public Education Ryan Walters filmed a 9-minute video with PragerU’s CEO, Marissa Streit, praising the self-described free alternative to the dominant left-wing ideology in culture, media, and education for telling history the way it was.

Since taking office in January, my administration has made it a top priority to combat illegal marijuana grow operations and the criminal organizations that are behind their proliferation. This threat to public safety has exacted a heavy toll, particularly in rural Oklahoma, and it must not be tolerated. The time to act is now.

Awrite-in candidate seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination filed a lawsuit in federal court last week that aims to disqualify Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot in Oklahoma.

State Representative Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, urged education officials to tone down dangerous, divisive language and work with people from a variety of backgrounds to improve outcomes for Oklahoma students following threats made in recent weeks against several schools in the Union Public Schools district, which Boatman represents.

Just in case you haven’t had your fill of news about State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, the first thing to know is that the State Board of Education on Thursday accredited Tulsa Public Schools with deficiencies. On Wednesday, the Tulsa Public Schools board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Deborah Gist, effective Sept. 15, and chose Ebony Johnson to be the interim superintendent.

House Democrats on Tuesday made a formal request to Speaker Charles McCall to initiate impeachment proceedings against State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, Americans celebrated National Aviation Day to honor the history, pioneers, innovators, and accomplishments of this incredible industry. This was first observed in 1939 on the anniversary of renowned American aviator Orville Wright’s birthday, following a proclamation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

This Grandparents Day, take some time to recognize the hardworking grandparents who are actively involved in shaping the lives of their grandchildren. Many grandparents play an important role and act as positive role models and influences.

As you may have already heard, the United States Department of State is currently experiencing significant backlogs and delays in issuing both new and renewal passports. Due to this, if you plan to travel abroad in the coming weeks or months, please use the information and tips below to ensure you have an up-todate passport.