President Barack Obama to Alter Birth Control Coverage Policy

President Barack Obama is scheduled to announce changes Friday to the controversial policy requiring faith-based institutions to provide health insurance coverage that includes contraception.

Here is a White House fact sheet on the policy change:

FACT SHEET: Women’s Preventive Services and Religious Institutions

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans will cover women’s preventive services, including contraception, without charging a co-pay or deductible beginning in August, 2012. This new law will save money for millions of Americans …


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Oklahoma Gets Waiver From No Child Left Behind

Oklahoma is one of ten states that won’t have to comply with all of the requirements under the education law known as No Child Left Behind, a White House official confirmed Thursday morning. Oklahoma was among the first 11 states to apply for a waiver after the Obama administration announced last fall that it would relax some of the most controversial provisions.

More later when the official announcement is made, but here is the application Oklahoma submitted for the waiver.…


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Santorum rally site changed

The site for the rally for Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum has changed.

It will be at the Magnuson Hotel and Meridian Convention Center, 737 S. Meridian Ave. It’s just south of Interstate 40.

The venue was changed because of the overwhelming response, according to the Oklahoma Republican Party’s website. It originally was scheduled at the nearby H&H Shooting Sports Complex.

The time remains the same at 9 a.m. There is no charge to attend the rally.

Santorum’s visit today …


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Senate Republicans release agenda

In a legislative agenda closing mirroring the priorities Gov. Mary Fallin outlined in her State of the State address, the Senate Republican caucus pledged a commitment to smaller government and pro-jobs philosophies.

“Our agenda is pro-growth with a renewed dedication to government that is smaller, simpler and smarter while still protecting services that are vital to our citizens,” President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, said.


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10th Circuit Nominee Robert E. Bacharach Gets Highest Rating from Bar Association

Magistrate Judge Robert E. Bacharach, who has been nominated for a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, has been given the highest rating from the American Bar Association: unanimously well-qualified.
Bacharach, who has been a federal magistrate judge in the Western District of Oklahoma, based in Oklahoma City, since 1999, was nominated by President Barack Obama on Jan. 23 for the appeals court. He would replace Robert Henry, who is now president of Oklahoma City …


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Rep. Frank Lucas Schedules Town Hall Meetings in Anadarko, Altus and Other Towns

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne, has scheduled the following town hall meetings for Feb. 22 and 23.

Wednesday, February 22:

_ Anadarko Town Hall Meeting

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

City Hall, Council Chambers

501 West Virginia

_ Mountain View Town Hall Meeting

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Mountain View – Gotebo High School, Auditorium

150 South First Street

_ Hobart Town Hall Meeting

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hobart City Hall, Council Chambers

111 East 3rd Street

_ Hollis Town …


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Rep. James Lankford Speaks Out on Birth Control Action by Obama Administration

Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, says he is “outraged” by the Obama administration’s decision requiring birth control to be part of health insurance plans offered by some organizations with a religious affiliation, such as Catholic hospitals or Christian universities.

“I met with presidents of several of Oklahoma’s Christian-affiliated universities this week, and they expressed grave concern about their freedom to practice their faith and values without interference from the federal government,” Lankford said in a statement.
“I share this concern …


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Library of Congress to Celebrate Oklahoma Author Ralph Ellison’s Birthday

The Library of Congress plans to celebrate the 98th birthday of Ralph Ellison on March 1 with reading and discussion of his work by award-winning authors Jabari Asim and Danielle Evans, the library announced on Monday.
Ellison, who was born in Oklahoma City on March 1, 1914, is best known for his novel, “Invisible Man,” published in 1952. The book, according to the Library of Congress, “transformed thinking about race, identity and what it means to be American.” The book …


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Environmental Group Sierra Club Took Millions in Aid from Chesapeake Energy

According to a story in The Hill, the Sierra Club accepted $26 million from the natural gas industry, with most coming from Chesapeake Energy chief Aubrey McClendon.…


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President Barack Obama Speaks at National Prayer Breakfast

In remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, President Barack Obama said scripture was the basis for some of his policy proposals, including health care reform and financial reform.

You can watch the speech here, and the transcript is below:

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

AT THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

Washington Hilton

Washington, D.C.

9:10 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Please, please, everybody have a seat. Well, good morning, everybody. It is good to be with so many …


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