From Bob Wills to Blake Shelton: Oklahoma’s mark on the first 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry

From Southwest Ledger During the dark days of the Great Depression, one essential piece of technology was the radio. After long hours of trying to put food on the table, families gathered around the radio to listen to news, FDR’s Fireside Chats, radio programs and most importantly, music. With the depression, buying records was difficult … Continue reading From Bob Wills to Blake Shelton: Oklahoma’s mark on the first 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry →

If college football won’t settle it on the field, maybe the courts should

From the Lawton Constitution James Finck Ph.D. Normally I don’t think government and sports should mix, but in the current college playoff system, including mostly public schools, it may be time. College football has always been controversial in the way it chooses its national champion. Because teams don’t all play each other it has depended … Continue reading If college football won’t settle it on the field, maybe the courts should →

The Story Behind the Stories: Unlocking Western Literature and History

From Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.D.One of my all-time favorite movies, “Hoosiers,” is a perfect example of a David and Goliath movie where a small-town basketball team in Indiana makes it all the way to the 1954 State Championship to take on a big-city team. As the team is getting ready to leave the … Continue reading The Story Behind the Stories: Unlocking Western Literature and History →

Constitution 101: Privileges, Immunities and Debate

From Southwest Ledger https://www.southwestledger.news/opinion/constitution-101-privileges-immunities-and-debate Over the years, I have come to realize that many of my students know little about the U.S. Constitution. And even as I speak to older generations, I realize parts of the Constitution are somewhat foreign to them as well. Most know the basics and major clauses, but there is so … Continue reading Constitution 101: Privileges, Immunities and Debate →

From Smith to Friedman: What great economists would say about Oklahoma’s proposed minimum wage hike

https://www.southwestledger.news/opinion/smith-friedman-what-great-economists-would-say-about-oklahomas-proposed-minimum-wage-hike In June 2026, Oklahoma voters will decide on State Question 832. If passed, the minimum wage in Oklahoma will go from the federal minimum wage of $7.25 to $15 by 2029, more than doubling minimum wage wages over the next three years. Economists and politicians will argue the pros and cons of this wage … Continue reading From Smith to Friedman: What great economists would say about Oklahoma’s proposed minimum wage hike →