In This Issue
Graduation Season
FRIDAY, MAY 9
SATURDAY, MAY 10
SUNDAY, MAY 11
UCO to see more than 1,400 graduate
The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,438 spring and summer graduates during the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies May 9-10, in Central’s Hamilton Field House.
UCO President Todd G. Lamb will give remarks at each of the university’s four ceremonies.
Commencement ceremonies are scheduled as follows:
• 1 p.m., Friday, May 9: College of Education and Professional Studies
•5 p.m., Friday, May 9: Jackson College of Graduate Studies
•10 a.m., Saturday, May 10: College of Business and College of Liberal Arts
•2 p.m., Saturday, May 10: College of Mathematics and Science and College of Fine Arts and Design
Graduates and guests attending the ceremonies are asked to arrive early, as the field house traditionally
fills to capacity. All guests are required to have a ticket for entry; children under 3 do not require a ticket. Limited parking to the west of the field house will be reserved for those with disabilities. All campus parking spaces, except those in the reserved lot to the west of the field house, will be open during the commencement events for those attending the ceremonies.
The ceremonies may be viewed online at streaming.uco.edu, with livestreaming beginning approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony.
Additionally, Central will livestream each commencement ceremony on UCO’s Facebook page. The Facebook livestream will capture the traditional graduate walk from Old North to Hamilton Field House, weather permitting.
For more information about Central’s graduation, visit www.uco.edu/commencement.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,438 graduates during the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies May 9-10, in Central’s Hamilton Field House. Pictured, a group of UCO graduates stand during a prior year ceremony.
UCO softball team wins title See page 7
Some summer activities kids may like
The arrival of summer is a momentous day for children. Summer means school is closed and weeks of rest, recreation and fun in the sun are on the schedule. Although summer may start off with a bang, it may not be too long before kids are uttering the dreaded, "I'm bored," leaving parents and caregivers looking for ways to keep children occupied. Having a list of activities at the ready can help families stay active and engaged during the dog days of summer.
Summertime swimming
Those lucky enough to have a backyard pool have a great source of entertainment right at home. Swimming alone can grow monotonous for kids, so work with friends' parents to devise a schedule to have the kids alternate whose house they visit for swimming sessions. Standard games like water volleyball or diving retrieval games can add some fun, but many times kids are happy to splash and float with friends. Stock a cooler with water, juice and healthy snacks so kids can just hop out of the water and grab a refreshment,
rather than leaving a water-logged trail into the kitchen.
Those who do not have a pool can consider membership to a township pool, where everyone can mingle with neighbors.
Host a movie night
The dog days of summer tend to be humid, hot and sometimes uncomfortable. Scheduling activities for later in the day makes the most of weather that has cooled off a bit. Purchase or borrow a projector that hooks up to a computer or tablet, and set up a screen in the yard. Stream a familyfriendly movie and prepare ready-made bags of popcorn or cotton candy for the show.
Add water to everything
Favorite backyard games can be enhanced with the use of a little water. For example, instead of tossing bean bags for cornhole, fill up water balloons. Kids who are playing tag or games like capture the flag may have to run through a garden sprinkler to get into their opponent's territory. Kids
Bills that may boost education
The House passed several education bills last week that ban cell phones in schools, restrict virtual days, expand math supports for students, give students with disabilities access to schools that best fit their needs, and address teacher pay and retention, among others. Many of the bills now go to the governor for final consideration.
The bills passed include:
Senate Bill 105 – removes prior public school enrollment requirement for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; the bill will return to the Senate for consideration of House amendments
Senate Bill 139 – Requires school district boards of education to adopt a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools; the bill goes to the Governor for final consideration
Senate Bill 215 – Creates the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration
Senate Bill 235 – Establishes the Grow Your Own Educator Program; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration
Senate Bill 245 – Establishes the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program and makes changes to the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program to allow more teachers to participate in the program, especially those at low-income schools; the bill now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments
Senate Bill 758 – Restricts virtual days in schools to no more than two per school year; the bill now goes to the Governor for final consideration
Senate Bill 794 – Requires certain student teaching requirements for teachers; the bill goes to the Governor for final approval
Senate Bill 840 – Establishes a micro-credential for teachers who complete Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) certification or Center for Effective Reading Instruction; the bill returns to the Senate for further consideration
"The House loudly said today we support education in Oklahoma. We know we need to improve academic outcomes, reward our great teachers, give parents more choices with their child's education, get students in front of quality teachers in person more and get cell phones out of schools. The bills passed today will drive improvement in our schools and let kids be kids and teachers teach," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow.
"I'm proud of the work the Senate has done to advance meaningful education reforms, and I appreciate the House for moving swiftly on this slate of critical legislation. These bills reflect our commitment to student achievement, classroom discipline and real support for
teachers—especially in schools that need it most. From boosting math proficiency to limiting distractions like cell phones and expanding access to tutoring, we're focused on solutions that give every Oklahoma student a better shot at success. I look forward to these measures going to the governor for his signature as we continue working to strengthen education across our state," said Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle.
Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid and author of the legislation banning cell phones and making changes to the LNH scholarship program, said, "These bills are about raising the bar. Whether it’s boosting math skills, investing in high-impact tutoring, or ensuring every student—regardless of ability—has access to the school that meets their needs, we’re taking clear, actionable steps to improve outcomes for every child in Oklahoma.”
Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore and author of the legislation restricting cell phones and adding student supports to math similar to what the state has implemented in recent years for reading, said, "Cell phones are the biggest disruptions in classrooms. With this bill, we are giving teachers the authority and support they need to keep students focused and engaged from bell to bell.”
“Today’s passage of these education reforms marks a meaningful victory for Oklahoma students, parents, and teachers," said House Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, RClinton and author of the legislation improving student math supports and restricting virtual school days. "From increasing math proficiency and access for students with disabilities to ensuring focused learning environments free from cell phone distractions, we’re prioritizing academic outcomes and student success across the board.”
“Kids learn best in the classroom,” said Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, who carried the bill through the Senate Education Committee and floor. “Virtual days have their place in emergencies, but we’ve seen them become a go-to solution in some districts — and that’s not fair to students or families. This bill strikes the right balance by preserving flexibility without compromising the quality of education.”
"Oklahoma is not unique in facing a teacher shortage, and we must do all we can to pay our best teachers for the work they are doing every day. Many teachers tutor students and go above and beyond regularly without any additional pay, and this legislation would put a framework in place for districts to pay teachers more for the important work they are doing with our students," said Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin and author of bills supporting high dosage tutoring and OTEP changes.
can put their engineering skills to use by building an obstacle course of hurdles and the like from tires or pool noodles. Poke holes into one pool noodle and feed a garden hose into the end to create a water hazard.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Whether at a beach, park, or even walking the neighborhood, families can have a list of objects that must be found. The first child to find all of the items on the list gets a prize, such as choosing which ice cream shop to visit.
Dance in the rain
Summertime is known for the sudden arrival of storms. When a downpour occurs, have the family head into the garage with the door open to catch the amazing sights of Mother Nature. Take turns briefly running out into the deluge to dance and splash in the rain. Retreat to the indoors when thunder and lightning are close by.
Despite record rains recently, the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival managed to have three days of sun. The public flocked to the event — held the first weekend in May.
Photos by Melinda Infante
Celebrating Therapy Animal Day
In honor of National Therapy Animal Day, INTEGRIS Health is proud to shine a light on one of our beloved volunteers: Kasper the therapy dog and his handler, Cheryl.
Every other Wednesday, patients and staff at the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute look forward to seeing Kasper, a friendly and spirited Weimaraner. Known affectionately as the “de-stressor dog,” Kasper brings comfort, joy and a sense of calm to those who need it most. Whether he’s visiting patients or greeting team members in the hallways, Kasper’s presence creates meaningful moments of connection and healing.
“Sometimes we see patients come out of their shells when Kasper walks into the room,” says Cheryl. “It’s a different kind of therapy. It may not heal physically, but it absolutely heals emotionally. If we can make one person smile, we’ve met our goal for the day.”
City taking letters of interest for judge position
The City Council is accepting letters of application for the position of Associate Municipal Judge for the Edmond Municipal Court.
Edmond Municipal Code provides that Municipal judges shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of City Council. Terms of each Judge are for two years, expiring on the first day of July in each odd numbered year. The current term expires July 1, 2025.
In order to serve as Judge, a candidate must: Be a resident of Edmond; Be licensed to practice law in the State of Oklahoma;
Beginning July 1, 2026, have completed a certification program as approved by the Oklahoma Municipal Judges Association; and
Not accept employment inconsistent with the duties of a Judge, or which may create conflict with a case under jurisdiction of the Court.
Eligible persons should submit to the Mayor by 5 p.m. May 13, 2025, a letter of interest, resume and a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Oklahoma Bar Association and dated within the last 30 days. Materials can be submitted via mail to P.O. Box 2970, Edmond, OK 73083; hand-delivered to the City Manager’s office at 24 East First Street; or emailed to Director of Management Services Casey Moore at Casey.Moore@EdmondOK.gov.
It is anticipated the Council will vote to approve the holder of the position at its regularly scheduled meetings June 9, 2025 ,and June 23, 2025.
Governor reacts to court case
Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt issued the following statement after the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond, otherwise known as the St. Isidore case.
"The United States Supreme Court heard a case that goes to the very heart of what makes our nation great— freedom of religion. I’m proud Oklahoma is standing firm for the constitutional rights our Founding Fathers enshrined, including the right of religious institutions to participate equally in public life.
The idea that a school should be disqualified from serving students simply because it’s rooted in faith is discriminatory and un-American. Every child deserves access to a quality education, and every family should have the freedom to choose a school that reflects their values. Ultimately, parents should have more options for their kids, not fewer. I’m grateful to the Trump administration, the governors, attorneys general, and members of congress who are with us in this fight."
Prep rowing this Saturday
RIVERSPORT will host the 2025 Youth Rowing League Spring Championships on Saturday, May 10, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. on the Oklahoma River in the Boathouse District.
The event features middle and high school rowing teams from across the Oklahoma City metro competing under the lights on the Oklahoma River. Teams have practiced one to two days per week over a 12-week season to prepare for the championship race.
The Scholastic League includes schools such as ASTEC, Cristo Rey, Emerson, FD Moon, John Rex, Mustang, Southeast and more. The league operates during both spring and fall semesters, with championship races held in May and November. The event is free and open to the public.
Kasper
OMRF benefit dinner a success
Thursday’s 2025 Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s MS Advocate dinner raised $570,000 to fund patient care and research for multiple sclerosis at OMRF.
OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., announced the total during the annual event, which was held at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. The Chickasaw Nation and the Ellis-Payne Fund served as presenting sponsors of the event, which was co-chaired by Jim and Lou Morris.
Weyrich and OMRF Board President Len Cason honored the late Frank Merrick with the MS Advocate Award during the dinner. Merrick, of Oklahoma City, served on OMRF’s Board of Directors before being named the foundation’s vice president of development in the mid-1990s. He also founded the Merrick Foundation, which has been a steadfast supporter of OMRF and particularly its MS research.
Merrick died last October. Weyrich presented the MS Advocate Award to his widow, Debbi, who said her husband loved OMRF and its mission.
Merrick’s passion for MS research was personal. His father developed MS at a time when there was no approved treatment for it. Decades later, in 2011, Merrick’s support helped establish OMRF’s Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, which today treats more than 3,000 patients and over-
sees dozens of clinical trials for new MS therapies.
“When Frank set his sights on a cause that mattered to him, like MS, he often used his immense powers of persuasion to inspire others to join in that cause,” said Cason, who described Merrick as “my best buddy.”
“Frank’s lasting mark on OMRF is greater than we could ever describe,” Cason said.
MS affects nearly 1 million Americans. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulating layer that protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The resulting inflammation can cause vision issues, muscle spasms, tremors and paralysis. Periods of remission and relapse accompany the most common form of MS.
Without steadfast advocates like Merrick, the MS Center of Excellence wouldn’t exist, said its founding director, OMRF physician-scientist Gabriel Pardo, M.D.
“Frank was a changemaker,” Pardo said. “His influence is tangible; you can see it in the treatment progress we’ve made and in the lives that have forever been improved.”
Providing entertainment was Darci Lynne Farmer, an Oklahoma ventriloquist and singer who gained national fame at age 12 when she won “America’s Got Talent” on NBC TV in 2017.
OMRF awarded $710,000 grant from Dept. of Veterans Affairs
With a new $710,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist will study the role of a family of immune cells in Alzheimer’s disease.
Bill Freeman, Ph.D., will investigate the connection between Alzheimer’s and the brain’s primary immune cells, known as microglia. These cells maintain brain health by clearing out damaged neurons and other waste.
Freeman and other scientists are trying to understand whether microglia play a beneficial or harmful role in Alzheimer’s.
“We think it depends on the timing,” he said. “At some point after a person develops Alzheimer’s, we think maybe the microglia start cleaning up everything that isn’t perfect.”
This, Freeman said, may actually worsen the disease.
Increasingly, scientists believe the behavior of microglia is influenced by a group of molecules called MHC-1. To better understand what role they
play in Alzheimer’s, Freeman’s lab will block the activity of MHC-1 in mice of different ages, some of them displaying symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s.
“We believe that turning off MHC1 early in life is harmful, but doing so later in life is beneficial,” he said. If his hypothesis proves true, it could someday lead to an Alzheimer’s drug that inhibits MHC-1.
The VA has a particular interest in slowing Alzheimer’s progression, as veterans are more likely to experience posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, two major risk factors for the disease. By some estimates, up to 9% of veterans live with Alzheimer’s. While that rate is lower than in the overall population, Freeman said that’s because veterans have lower life expectancy and are less likely to live long enough to develop Alzheimer’s.
“Current treatments for Alzheimer’s haven’t proven very successful,” said OMRF physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D., who also serves as associate chief of staff for research at the OKC VA Medical Center. “Dr. Freeman seems to be onto something. If blocking MHC-1 helps slows disease progression, that could be a game-changer.”
Engagement, Wedding notices
Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.
OMRF Board Chairman Len Cason presents the 2025 MS Advocate Award to Debbi Merrick, widow of award recipient Frank Merrick, as OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D., looks on.
Providing entertainment was Darci Lynne.
Freeman
By George Gust
Review of movie ‘Thunderbolts’
Film offers solid storytelling
“Thunderbolts*” Picks up after the events of “Black Widow”, “Captain America: New World Order”, and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” “Thunderbolts*” assembles a squad of antiheroes under the reluctant leadership of Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). She’s joined by Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and US Agent (Wyatt Russell).
Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*” thankfully takes a different approach from the usual world-ending stakes of MCU films like “Avengers: Endgame” and the “Doctor Strange” movies. Instead of cosmic threats and universe ending storyline the film focuses on morally gray B-Squad marvel characters navigating espionage, betrayal, and the psychological toll of their pasts. It’s a welcome change feeling more grounded and more intimate but still suffers from the weight of carrying the mantel of the MCU post the classic Avengers era.
Florence Pugh brings her effortless charisma and emotional depth to “Thunderbolts*” and is the emotional anchor of the film. Her performance keeps the film grounded as she navigates grief, loy-
alty, and leadership. And in a reteaming of “Black Widow” David Harbour scene stealing performance injects levity into an otherwise dark narrative. He balances humor with poignant moments of reflection especially when playing off of Pugh, which plays well with the overarching themes of the movie.
Visually, “Thunderbolts*” embraces a gritty aesthetic, favoring muted colors and shadow-heavy cinematography that complement its character’s shadowy past. The action sequences are intense, relying on close quarters combat and realistic choreography rather than grandiose superhero spectacle. There is still the climatic city destroying
sequence but peppered in there are moments when we get to see the heroes saving ordinary people which is a welcome change from the more sanitized versions we have seen in recent comic book movies.
The film’s lower stakes work in its favor, allowing for deeper exploration of characters who, unlike the Avengers, aren’t tasked with saving the universe, just surviving in it. However, this shift also creates pacing issues. The movie occasionally struggles to balance introspective moments with kinetic action, and some emotional beats feel rushed in favor of advancing the plot.
Overall, Thunderbolts is a compelling, if uneven, addition to the MCU. While it lacks the high-energy spectacle of Marvel’s biggest blockbusters, it offers a refreshing change of pace with grounded storytelling, strong performances, and visually striking action sequences. For those looking for a break from multiversal chaos, Thunderbolts delivers a tense, character-driven ride worth watching.
"Thunderbolts*" is rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references.
3.5 of 5 stars
"Thunderbolts*" is rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references.
deadcenter film schedule
deadCenter Film has announced a new date for its Silver Screen Kickoff Party, originally slated for Thursday, May 1. The event will now be held on Thursday, May 15, at Riversport OKC, from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
“A 25th anniversary kickoff party with outdoor activities calls for blue skies,” said deadCenter Film Executive Director Cacky Poarch. “We’re moving the party to give the rainy weather time to clear, and the later date also gives us space to make some big announcements to an audience of our biggest supporters.”
In addition to DJ Nymasis spinning tunes from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and a special Flashback Screening of Okie Noodling by deadCenter Film ICON Bradley Beesley, the event will feature several important announcements: the slate of Oklahoma filmmakers, the official dCFF25 ICONs and the reveal of deadCenter Film’s new executive director, the fifth in the organization’s 25-year history.“There is so much to celebrate at our Silver Screen Kickoff,” said Poarch, “and we can’t wait to make a big ‘splash’ on May 15, with big announcements while honoring our homegrown talent.”
Lankford updates public on U.S. political issues
Dear Oklahoma friends and neighbors:
I enjoyed two great weeks back in Oklahoma around Easter. It is always helpful to hear directly from Oklahomans on the issues we face at home and on the national level. I was able to travel the state to hear from large groups on trade and tariffs to small groups on ag issues, and rural hospital developments.
As is typical in April, our state has seen abundant rain—in some places too abundant—and some severe weather already this season, including fires and tornadoes. For information on how to keep you, your family, your home, and even a business safe, you can visit www.Ready.gov or the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management’s #ReadyOK page HERE.
The Senate got back to work this week to continue confirming President Trump’s ambassadors to nations like the UK, China, Italy, and Turkey. We also passed what are called “resolutions of disapproval” for some of President Biden’s last-minute onerous rules and regulations. The Senate has been in session and confirmed more nominees than any Senate in the past 40 years.
Highlighting Oklahoma’s Strong Work Ethic
In late March, I launched a yearlong project to highlight the people who make Oklahoma strong—everyday Oklahomans who show up, get the job done, and help their neighbors along the way.
I’m calling it “Oklahoma Works,” and it is a new video series that will come with me around the state when I hear from Oklahomans from all walks of life, including construction workers, teachers, first responders, farmers, mechanics, small business owners, healthcare workers, retail workers, and more. My goal is simple—highlight the work ethic and values of the people who make Oklahoma work.
Stonehenge in Tulsa?
Yes, you read that correctly. If you haven’t traveled in the Tulsa area recently, you may not know that an I44/US Highway 75 construction project has earned the moniker “Stonehenge” because the supports for the bridge have sat there since phase one was completed in 2023. I worked with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to secure a competitive federal transportation grant so the project can finally move forward. On April 23, I joined Tulsa City leaders and ODOT to break ground and move Tulsa Stonehenge forward in its muchneeded safety and traffic improvements.
They are hoping to see this mega construction project finished by 2028. Which reminds me, don’t forget to slow down in construction zones. The great Oklahomans working on our roads have families too, let’s keep them safe.
Budget and Tax Bill
Before the State Work Period around Easter, I voted to support the Senate Republican Budget Resolution. This year’s budget resolution provides a framework for our Republican plan to keep taxes from going up on every American at the end of 2025 when President Trump’s 2017 tax bill expires. The bill also moves the conversation forward about how to address our national debt, reduce the size and scope of the monstrous federal government, tackle Washington’s appetite for overspending, and address waste and fraud in federal programs.
Oklahomans and the American people do not want to see their taxes raised or have the government waste their money. This bill lays the ground work to provide additional funding to keep the border secure, grow our energy dominance, build a strong na-
tional defense, cut wasteful spending and prevent a tax increase on families and small businesses. This vote was the first step to make sure that we deliver on these promises. There is more work to be done. I serve on the Senate Finance Committee with jurisdiction over tax issues, and we have been working on this bill for at least a year since we could see the 2025 deadline coming. The House and Senate are now negotiating the final product that will need to pass both chambers.
Planting an OKC Survivor Tree Sapling on US Capitol Grounds
I was joined by OK Fifth District Congresswoman Stephanie Bice and other state and national leaders to host a dedication ceremony for a Commemorative Survivor Tree on the grounds of the US Capitol. This sapling, a descendant of the original tree, was planted on the northwest corner of the Capitol, facing the National Mall. The Survivor Tree endured the blast and became our symbol of hope. Thirty years later, a descendent child of the Survivor Tree now stands at our nation’s capital as a living memorial to honor the legacy of those we lost and remind the country of the strength, resilience, and compassion that define the Oklahoma Standard. CLICK HERE to read more about the Survivor Tree sapling.
Securing the US Side of the Southern Border
With border crossings at a record low, the results speak for themselves: President Trump’s leadership is making America safer. Period. But US Customs and Border Protection still doesn’t have the resources they need to stop gun smuggling from the US to the criminal cartels in Mexico. We need to ensure border law enforcement has the personnel and technology to crack down on criminal activity that puts Americans at risk. CLICK HERE to read about my bill to help our border law enforcement keep us safe.
Protecting and Fortifying Our Electric Grid after Disasters
I introduced a bill to make our electric grid more reliable after natural disasters. My bill would allow FEMA funds to be used for both restoration and resilience improvements, addressing a critical gap in current disaster recovery policies that particularly harms rural communities. CLICK HERE to read more about my bill.
Safeguarding Charities and Nonprofits
Tax-exempt organizations should not live in fear of federal control every day because courts want to redefine the meaning of tax-exempt status. I introduced a bill to protect the independence of our nation’s taxexempt organizations. It safeguards churches, nonprofits, and private schools from a perilous line of litigation in federal courts that could subject them to burdensome federal regulations. CLICK HERE to read more.
Preserving
Our Right to Free Speech
The First Amendment protects Americans’ right to freedom of speech and religious freedom without the threat of interference from Congress. I introduced a bill to ensure these original free speech protections are upheld by removing a restriction on speech that has existed since 1954, known as the Johnson Amendment. Fundamental American values must extend to everyone, including pastors, social workers, or nonprofit employees and volunteers. Everyone should have their constitutional rights to assembly, free speech, freedom of religion, and free press protected. CLICK HERE to find out more about why this bill is so important.
A student at Harding Charter Preparatory High School served as a page for Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, at the Oklahoma House of Representatives during the 60th legislative session.
Tiziana Mongu is a senior at HCPHS who will attend Loyola University in Chicago. Mongu plans to student political science on a pre-law track and later become a civil rights attorney. She participates in Black Student Union, Student Council and is senior class president.
Mongu is also a National Honor Society member and a member of the yearbook staff. She is also involved with Youth in Action, a program operated by Youth Leadership Exchange under the umbrella of Leadership Oklahoma City. Additionally, Mongu participates in tennis, cross country and track, as well as working as a self-established photographer.
"It was an honor to host Tiziana as a page during this legislative session," Harris said. "She's a driven, thought-
ful student who is committed to service, and she represents the very best of Oklahoma's next generation of leaders. I have no doubt that Tiziana will excel during her time at college and will make a meaningful impact as a future civil rights attorney. She is exactly the kind of young leader we need shaping the future of our state and nation."
Harris was elected in a special election in 2024 and is currently serving his first full term representing House District 39. An attorney, Harris serves as vice chair of the House Criminal Judiciary Committee and the House Appropriations and Budget Judiciary Subcommittee.
The House High School Page Program is open to juniors and seniors. Pages are assigned for one week, Monday through Thursday, and they work in the House Chamber during daily session, assist representatives and House staff with tasks, and take part in the House Page Mock Legislature.
Rep. Erick Harris and Tiziana Mongu on the Oklahoma House of Representatives floor.
Harris hosts page at Capitol
Edmond Chamber is briefed by Senator Mullin
Last week, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (ROK) spoke with the Edmond Chamber of Commerce on a range of topics including the importance of business owners being involved in their communities and President Trump standing up to the rest of the world in defense of the American worker. Highlights of the Senator’s remarks to the Chamber are below.On the importance of business owners being involved in the community:
“It’s important because nothing affects your business more than state and federal government. Nothing. Dealing with mandates and regulations absolutely destroys your company. And no one is going to know it’s actually hurting you if you’re
not in a position to tell the story. No one is going to know to fight for you, for that particular issue, unless you’re in that position to actually be able to say what is going on.”
On President Trump standing up for the American worker:
“When the President was campaigning, he made this a focal point. We knew what was going to happen. The President was very very clear. He’s not as concerned about today’s workforce as he is about tomorrow’s. He says this is a generational issue that at some point if we don’t resolve it, it’s going to destroy our economy. And the trillions of
Integris notes four new executive leaders
INTEGRIS Health is proud to welcome four new executive leaders to the organization. They have expertise in very different areas, but are all committed to one mission: partnering with people to live healthier lives.
Texas Foundations umbrella, raising more than $45M and engaging with more than 50,000 donors annually.
dollars that have been sucked out of the United States and has built these other countries, they’re going to become the wealthy countries and we’re going to have to be taking money from them to help us out of our recession that’s going to last permanently until we learn to remanufacture, and at that point they won’t need us, and so they won’t be wanting to do trade deals with us. And so, the President was looking way down the road, like most business owners.”
“Someone at some point had to take the bullet. At some point this was coming to a head. And thank goodness President Trump was willing to do it.
Blake Windham is INTEGRIS Health’s new chief ambulatory executive. He came to INTEGRIS Health from Texas Health Resources where he served as the administrator of Integrated Health Campuses since 2020. As a results-driven leader, Windham standardized care resulting in a significant growth in gross revenue, consistently achieved maximum scores in patient satisfaction, spearheaded renovation projects to enhance patient experience and successfully developed and launched a tele-health program.
Ashley Wilson was selected as the new INTEGRIS Health Foundation president. Wilson comes to INTEGRIS Health from Ascension Texas Foundations, where she served as the chief strategy officer since 2018. In this role, she owned strategy planning and execution for five foundations under the Ascension
NextNRG, Inc. announced the expansion of its mobile fueling operations – EzFill – across Oklahoma, further extending its national footprint and advancing its recurring revenue strategy. For the first time, Oklahomans can order fuel on a mobile app and have their cars filled up without stepping foot outside of their homes.
“Oklahoma represents a strong entry point as we expand fueling services for one of our national ac-
Kelsie Stephenson was chosen as the vice president of HR talent strategy. Stephenson has 12 years of HR experience focused on transformative people strategies, organizational development, caregiver engagement and change management. She most recently served as the vice president of human resources at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Virginia. Before that, she worked at Baylor Scott & White Health.
Melissa Trujillo was hired as the vice president of talent acquisition.She brings over 10 years of experience driving recruitment strategy and team performance in health care and corporate environments. Most recently, she served as a system leader for Ardent Health, based in Nashville, TN, where she was the director of talent acquisition, overseeing clinical services. Prior to that, she worked at Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
Mobile fueling company expands
counts,” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder and CEO of NextNRG. “This launch not only supports an existing customer relationship under a longterm agreement but also provides a foundation for broader growth across the state as we scale with additional national partners and open new markets in the region.”
Initial operations in Oklahoma will begin with servicing one of the nation’s largest in- house fleet operators under a long-term agreement.
Sen. Mullin, addressed a luncheon by the Edmond Chamber.
Truth in food labeling bill goes to governor
Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today commented on a bill that will move to the governor that would require food manufacturers to correctly label products that come from plants or insect proteins instead of identifying them as meat.
House Bill 1126 passed the Senate this morning on a vote of 40-7. It previously passed the House on a vote of 86-7. The governor will now consider signing it into law.
"People should know where their food comes from," Grego said. "If it comes from insect proteins, plant products, a Petri dish, no matter where it comes from, this legislation would make sure it's labeled correctly so people will know what they are consuming. We have to maintain a safe food supply."
Grego thanked Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, the Senate author of the bill, for securing its passage in his legislative chamber.
“This legislation will offer additional protections to Oklahoma consumers, ensuring they know exactly what they are purchasing and consuming, while also ensuring that those who aim to mislead consumers through deceptive advertising or the mislabeling of alternative meat products are held accountable,” Pederson said. “I extend my appreciation to Rep. Grego for bringing this bill forward this session and look forward to seeing it signed into law to support consumer protection and education, as well as truth in labeling.”
Under the provisions of the bill, the burden of proof would be on the manufacturer and not the retailer, Grego said. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry would be responsible for investigating all credible complaints that food products are falsely advertised or misbranded as meat products.
Any person convicted of violating the act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
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House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, released the following statement in light of new developments on needed funds at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services:
"The House has had three public meetings with ODMHSAS and their fiscal staff attempting to determine the amount of funding the agency needs to maintain critical services and get through FY25. On March 31, the House was told that the agency would not have a cash flow issue before the end of the legislative session.
However, last night I was informed by the Commissioner that they would be unable to meet basic
payroll obligations beginning next week. Since that conversation, the date for running out of funds according to the Commissioner has shifted from May 7 to May 21.
We know the services the department delivers to Oklahomans are vital and, in many cases, life and death. However, the House has no faith in the current fiscal position of the department. We have taken every step to understand the fiscal needs of this agency but frankly the systemic mismanagement that has been uncovered is appalling. We have asked the Commissioner to meet publicly with the House Select Committee on Mental Health Monday morning to explain under oath how they have reached this latest number.
