Pollution and humanity’s impact on the planet are continuously in the news, and, for some, the big picture may seem overwhelming. However, rather than saving the whole world individually, anyone can take baby steps toward sustainability to ease burdens on local facilities and save consumers a bit of money.
“The goal when people talk about moving into a more sustainable...
After 23 years as a Tulsa police officer, detective and supervisor, Wendell Franklin became the department’s chief in February. The first African-American to hold that position in the city’s history, he is a born-and-raised Tulsan who is optimistic about positive change. We caught up with Franklin and got his thoughts on …
… his background.
I bring a historical perspective to...
Ah, an island paradise that checks every box on your list – with 330 idyllic islands, Fiji is bound to have one or two you like.
This South Pacific archipelago, defined by aquamarine waters, palm tree-infused white sand beaches, amazing coral reefs, crystal clear lagoons and lush rainforests, also touts a cuisine, featuring curries and seafood, like none other.
The indigenous...
Tucked in the woods, tucked in the Ouachita foothills, tucked just inside Oklahoma’s stateline with Arkansas stands a sandstone slab that untucks plenty of debate.
The Heavener runestone, about 12 feet tall, 10 feet wide and 16 inches thick, with eight carved letters on it, has made historians, archaeologists and runologists wonder just what the futhark is going on.
Those letters,...
The creator of a popular, national, faith-based radio program appealing to believers and non-believers alike says being raised in Oklahoma has helped to legitimize the nearly 20-year-old show.
Krista Tippett, host of On Being and director of the On Being and Civil Conversations projects, credits her upbringing in Shawnee with providing a voice about faith, philosophy and religion that’s often...
Switchgrass – a native species throughout Oklahoma – is an apt symbol for the state’s green-energy movement.
Just as switchgrass takes hold and multiplies, federal seed money planted years ago has produced cutting-edge technology in the biofuels industry.
An example is a mobile generator that converts biomasses – from the ubiquitous switchgrass to everyday yard waste – into electricity. A prototype...
Brad Stumph, proprietor of a unique business in Oklahoma City, has a mantra that fits what he does for budding brewmasters – Here For Beer.
In September, Stumph celebrates his third anniversary as founder-owner of Brewers Union, a craft beer incubator that is the first of its kind in the state and just one of a few in the country.
“Craft...
Whether it’s moving into a new building, maintaining the school grounds or just nurturing strong student-teacher-parent relationships, the story is the same for two highly ranked Oklahoma charter schools: Success comes from mutual involvement by the entire school community.
Charter schools have been part of Oklahoma public education since 1999. Amendments to the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act in 2015 brought...
Agencies across Oklahoma offer warm meals and clean beds to homeless people. A few go beyond the basics with programs that touch the hearts and souls of volunteers and their clients.
“People need life-enriching opportunities whether they are housed or not,” says Kinsey Crocker, director of communications for the Oklahoma City Homeless Alliance.
About 1,200 people volunteer every year with the...
Pet owners already know that a loving animal can make a bad day better. There are also organizations that foster this type of bond and help people deal with life’s ups and downs.
In 2001, special education teacher Terri Smith founded the Human Animal Link of Oklahoma Foundation because she saw that students diagnosed with a variety of emotional disturbances...
