Uniparty Republicans and teachers’ unions in Oklahoma recently concocted a new plan to sabotage the fight for educational freedom — silencing the state’s Department of Education. But their efforts failed. Make no mistake, their efforts weren’t about silencing me — they were about silencing parents in the fight for school choice in the Sooner State.Going up against the education cartel and standing up for students, parents, and educational freedom is a great way to find yourself on a political 'wanted' poster.I wish I were exaggerating, but I’m not. RINO Republicans in the Oklahoma legislature recently cut a deal with the union to silence my department. The language in the budget bill said the "Department of Education shall not be encumbered or expanded for the purpose of securing media interviews, public relations, or other public promotional purposes."It would have required my office to fire our communications staffers and barred me from even sending an official email, all because I spoke out against wokeness in Oklahoma’s public schools.This was all because the teachers’ union cartel had finally decided it had enough of our success with taking on its agenda. Union lobbyists convinced enough lawmakers that it was time to stop our efforts by any means necessary. They got tired of losing the information war over our education system, so they put a political bounty out on my head and my department, which resulted in the legislative gag order.From day one, I made it my mission to improve Oklahoma’s school system, and a big part of that was shining a spotlight on what was really going on in our schools, all while making the case for educational freedom. The talented men and women on my team have been wildly successful at doing this, so we got under the union lobbyists' skin. When I entered office, Sooner State parents were completely fed up with the way our public schools were being run. They were tired of seeing politicians, bureaucrats, and union bosses prioritize putting “diversity, equity, and inclusion” over real education. They were tired of finding out about pornographic materials in school libraries. They were tired of curricula being dominated with radical progressive ideologies like critical race theory that denigrate the country they love and the founding principles and values that make it great. That is why I ran for superintendent of education in 2023. With a clear mandate from the voters, my team went to work exposing what was wrong, expanding educational freedom through K-12 scholarships and charter school expansion. And, yes, we were unashamed to communicate these successes to the public. And, as it turns out, going up against the education cartel and standing up for students, parents, and educational freedom is a great way to find yourself on a political “wanted” poster. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) on Friday used his line-item veto to strip this targeted language from the budget bill. But if he had signed it into law, my communications staffers would have been immediately unemployed, and the voters who gave me this job would no longer have had a voice for parents and students. And that’s really the biggest problem here. Speech is a critical part of representative government, at least in a real and functioning one that derives its mandate from the consent of the governed. The thing about a republic is that all citizens are equal, as created by God. No man has a right to impose his will upon another without consent. So, we communicate with one another. We campaign and make speeches. Yes, we write op-eds, and we do interviews with the media to get our message out there. That’s how we persuade our fellow citizens that our position helps advance the public good. While some may write off this part of the job as merely “political,” it is essential to maintaining healthy public debate and keeping up the connection between hardworking citizens and the public officials to whom they entrust the responsibility of government. It naturally follows that to muzzle duly-elected public officials from doing that part of the job is to rob them of their voice in the process in a big way. If this attempt to silence parents can happen in one of the most conservative states in America, it can happen anywhere. When you refuse to settle for the status quo and the lousy “this is how we always have done it” attitude, people will put a target on your back. They don't like change, even if it’s a good change. I’m going to keep fighting for students and parents regardless of what a bunch of union bosses and RINO Republicans in Oklahoma City say or try to do. We have come much too far to be turned back and stopped now, and the stakes are far too high.

Last week, Tonnino, the #1 gourmet tuna brand in the U.S., sent me an array of its products to try. I’m so grateful because, as loyal readers know, we practice Fish Fridays. I am loving what it sent and really appreciating both the variety and its standard of care. Tonnino takes quality and safety very seriously: it freezes its tuna upon catching then tests it at a German lab to ensure mercury content is 100% below FDA standards.For meatless days, I usually go for my reliable shrimp and grits or a white cod recipe (look for it here soon), but the following tuna salad recipes will now be included in the rotation, especially as a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat. All are crafted with colorful summer veggies and light vinaigrettes. These go perfectly with a crisp prosecco. Enjoy! Tuna Niçoise Salad INGREDIENTS Dressing: 1/3 cup olive oil 2 1/2 TB fresh lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 clove of finely chopped 1 tsp of honey Salt and pepper to taste Salad: 4 cups of favorite salad greens 1 English cucumber halved and sliced 2 cups of green beans, cooked and blanched 2 jars of Tonnino yellowfin tuna filets in spring water, drained 4 soft boiled eggs ½ cup mixed olives 2 cups tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, hot house, whatever is in season), chopped ¼ cup fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley) 1 lb Yukon gold, red bliss, or fingerling potatoes, sliced and boiled Salt and pepper DIRECTIONS For Dressing Mix all ingredients, season with salt and pepper in bowl with whisk and set aside For Salad Create an ice bath, take a medium-sized bowl and fill halfway with ice and water, set aside Fill a small pot with water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Place the green beans in the water for about 2 minutes and place drained green beans in an ice bath to stop cooking process and preserve the bright green color Bring pot of water back to a rolling simmer and place eggs in pot. Cook in simmering water for 7 minutes, for a firmer egg cook for 8-10 minutes. Place drained eggs in ice bath with green beans In a second pot, place cut potatoes in pot and fill with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Allow potatoes to boil for 10-15 mins until done, drain and set aside On a large platter, place greens, herbs and arrange tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, eggs, green beans, potatoes and tuna Drizzle with dressing and enjoy! RECIPE NOTES This recipe is so flexible. Feel free to use your favorite combination of seasonal vegetables. The dressing goes with everything! STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS Dressing can be made ahead of time or stored for a week in the refrigerator or future use TASTING NOTES Bright and Tangy The Washington Post/Getty ImagesVietnamese Rice Noodle SaladINGREDIENTS Dressing: 3 cup tightly packed light brown sugar 1 lime juiced 3 TB fish sauce 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced 1 TB crushed red pepper or sliced Thai chili 1/3 cup 2 TB warm water plus Salad: 1 package of vermicelli rice noodles — cooked as directed 2 jars of Tonnino albacore fillets in spring water, drained and chopped 1 cup thinly sliced radish 1 cup of shredded carrots 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced ½ cup of fresh chopped herbs (cilantro, basil, and mint) 3 scallions, thinly sliced 1 cup of roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped DIRECTIONS For Dressing Mix all ingredients together, season with salt and pepper and set aside For Salad Make rice noodles as directed, rinse with cold water, drain well, and set aside Chop tuna into large chunks and mix 3 TB of dressing with tuna Mix rice noodles, cucumber, carrots, fresh herbs, radish and tuna with ¾ of remaining dressing Garnish with extra dressing, peanuts, and scallions RECIPE NOTES If you like it spicy, add additional crushed red pepper. And to brighten the dish up even further, add a squeeze of fresh lime.Water in dressing needs to be warm in order to melt the sugar.A great addition when serving this recipe is adding your favorite take-out spring roll. Slice them up and serve with the salad and a little drizzle of dressing.STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS Dressing can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.TASTING NOTES Bright, fresh, and tangy.INGREDIENT NOTES Adding hot water when making dressing helps dissolve the sugar more quickly and evenly. TonninoRadish & Carrot Salad INGREDIENTS Dressing: 1 tsp Dijon mustard 3 TB olive oil 1 tsp of shallot, finely minced 1 tsp lemon juice and zest of one lemon 2 tsp white balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar ¼ tsp of sugar Salt and pepper to taste Salad: 4 cups of arugula or favorite salad green 2 jars of Tonnino albacore fillets in olive oil 1 bunch of radishes, thinly sliced or quartered1 bunch of rainbow or regular carrots sliced in ribbons with a peeler 3 TB of fresh herbs (any mix of parsley, dill, tarragon, chives, mint) DIRECTIONS For Dressing Put all ingredients in a mason-type jar, season with salt and pepper, put lid on jar and give a couple of good shakes. Set aside.For Salad Place all ingredients In a large bowl and give a good toss.Drizzle with dressing, toss together and serve immediately.RECIPE NOTES For an extra pop of flavor, you could add 1 TB of capers.STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS Dressing can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. TonninoClassic Caesar Salad INGREDIENTS Dressing: 1 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese 1 TB Dijon mustard 4 TB olive oil 4 anchovy filets, finely chopped ½ lemon, juiced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tsp of red wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Salad: 4 cups of romaine and kale, chopped 2 jars of Toninno yellowfin tuna fillets in olive oil, drained Tons of fresh grated parmesan and your favorite croutons for garnishDIRECTIONS For Dressing Blend all ingredients together, season with salt and pepper. If too thick, add 1 tsp of water at a time until desired consistency and set aside For Salad In a large bowl, place all ingredients and give a good toss.Drizzle with dressing, toss together, and serve immediately.Garnish with croutons, parmesan, and additional freshly ground pepper.RECIPE NOTES For an additional time-saving hack, if you have a favorite Caesar dressing you would prefer to use go for it! STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS Dressing can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.INGREDIENT NOTES If possible, using high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano makes a huge difference with the taste.

If Indiana is truly the “crossroads of America,” perhaps the stunning upset from grassroots activists at the state’s Republican convention over the weekend will serve as a crossroads for conservatives after wandering in the desert of failed primary challenges for years.On Saturday, despite strong backing from the state GOP establishment, GOP gubernatorial nominee Senator Mike Braun, and Donald Trump himself, RINO state Rep. Julie McGuire lost the lieutenant governor nomination to evangelical pastor Micah Beckwith by a narrow margin of 891-828 votes. Unlike in popular primaries where Trump and the establishment usually dominate against conservatives, conventions often yield different results. Nominations here aren’t bought with money or name recognition but rely on around 2,000 highly engaged activists who truly understand the candidates. Switching to conventions made up of well-informed activists limits the influence of special interests and Trump’s occasionally ill-conceived endorsements.Unlike many states, Indiana selects its lieutenant governor through a party convention rather than a popular vote. While the nominee for governor typically has large sway over the choice of running mate, activists rejected Braun’s pick just five weeks after his landslide nomination victory. Beckwith’s surprise win isn’t just about securing a lesser-known office under the governor’s shadow. He sees it as creating a “conservative insurance policy” in a state where lukewarm Republicans rule. Despite having a strong majority in the legislature and holding all statewide offices, conservatives in Indiana have struggled to gain influence. Outgoing Gov. Eric Holcomb is so liberal that even the teachers' union didn't support his Democratic opponent. Conservative legislators Curt Nisly and John Jacob were defeated after party leaders spent over $1 million against them, with Jacob losing to Julie McGuire. Now, with Micah Beckwith's win over McGuire, conservatives will have a voice again. Strangely, Trump endorsed McGuire, extending his support for establishment candidates into conventions. However, conventions are where grassroots movements thrive. While we haven't been able to beat the establishment in popular primaries, we can overcome both the establishment and Trump’s interference in conventions. During the lockdowns, conservatives in Indiana had no voice. Indiana University enforced vaccine mandates with support from the governing RINO party, leading to a major lawsuit. Beckwith actively opposed Gov. Holcomb’s COVID policies while many other cowardly Republican leaders kept their mouths shut. As a pastor, Beckwith issued thousands of religious exemptions from vaccine mandates and fought against the transgender agenda in the state, earning strong grassroots support. Already sensing the anger of the base, Braun made sure to stake his claim over the ticket. “There’s no doubt about this. I’m in charge,” Braun told reporters after the weekend vote. “And Micah is going to be someone that works with me. And if he doesn’t ... it will probably not be as fruitful in terms of what we can get done.” Beckwith wouldn't have stood a chance in a popular primary, where special interest money and misleading ads put conservative lipstick on RINO pigs, often securing Trump's endorsements. The Indiana convention, like the Utah convention earlier this spring, shows that this method is the future. We need this structural change in the nominating process to transform the party. No GOP incumbents in Congress have lost a primary this year, and most open seats in deep red districts are going to establishment candidates. Swamp Republicans use industry funding to campaign facetiously on conservative issues, making it nearly impossible to beat them in primaries. It was already difficult before Trump started endorsing weak Republicans. In deep red districts with multiple candidates, the one with Trump’s endorsement almost always wins, regardless of their commitment to Trump’s perceived agenda. Switching to conventions made up of well-informed activists limits the influence of special interests and Trump’s occasionally ill-conceived endorsements. This primary season has shown that even Trump supporters at conventions can reject his endorsements, something the general population, unfamiliar with candidates and their agendas, cannot achieve. There's no perfect solution in politics, but switching from primaries to conventions is the best way to transform the party. If every red state used conventions to choose most of its nominees, the party would change in one election cycle. As we work to strengthen party conventions in other states, Indiana should build on Saturday's momentum. Mike Braun needs to align with the party's base instead of expecting Beckwith to conform to the establishment. We want more governors like Ron DeSantis and fewer like Eric Holcomb.

Is Dark and Darker on Steam? Following a stellar reaction from fans of the team extraction and RPG genre during the initial playtesting of Dark and Darker on Steam, the creators at Ironmace came under legal fire due to copyright issues which left the game on temporary hiatus since April 2023 and pulled from the Steam storefront. Thankfully, as of August 7, the devs were happy to announce that they had found a new means of distribution for their multiplayer hit, immediately launching the game into early access and making it available for purchase. Ironmace has found a partnership with distributor Chaf Games who are delivering Dark and Darker through online storefronts, while also making the dungeon crawler available to purchase on Ironmace’s own dedicated Dark and Darker website. Due to an explosive volume of interest hitting the DaD website upon news of the game’s availability, Ironmace was forced to issue an apology to players who had suffered immediate double charges while attempting to purchase a broken game that was failing to launch for many, promising refunds to dissatisfied customers. Whether you've already decided which of the Dark and Darker classes to play, or you're just preparing by checking your system requirements, you might still be curious about whether DaD is on Steam. Continue reading Is Dark and Darker on Steam? MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Dark and Darker release date, Dark and Darker system requirements, Dark and Darker classes guide

Square Enix has outlined its plans to combat congestion ahead of Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail's official release - we all know that the launch queues are going to be astronomical. The previous expansion, Endwalker, faced lengthy wait times of up to a week after launch, and sales were eventually halted to alleviate traffic. Square Enix isn't going to make the same mistake with Dawntrail, however, and it's taking aim at AFK players to help minimize wait times. Continue reading FF14 Dawntrail’s queue plans spell danger for AFK players MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best MMOs, FF14 Dawntrail release date, FF14 Island Sanctuary guide

Intel has come out to publicly admit that it still hasn't identified the root cause of its high-end Core i9 Raptor Lake CPUs having instability issues in games. The Intel CPU crashing issue that affects some of its 13th and 14th generation CPUs instead remains an ongoing point of investigation for the company. The problems predominantly affect variants of the Intel Core i9 14900K and 13900K variants (KF, KS, and so on), which are the company's current best gaming CPU options. However, it can also affect the company's Core i7 14700K and 13700K processors. Continue reading Intel just admitted it still doesn’t know why games crash on its CPUs MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Core i5 14600K review, Best gaming CPU, Core i9 14900K review

The Pax Dei early access launch is finally here, as the social-first MMO going up against the like of WoW, FF14, and RuneScape is now properly playable. With hundreds of square kilometers of map, a player-driven economy and society system, and a world populated by myth, it's available on Steam now. Continue reading Huge new MMORPG Pax Dei finally launches in Steam Early Access MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best medieval games, Best MMORPGs

The Phrygian cap, also known as the liberty cap, emerged as a potent symbol in 18th-century America and France

Larian Studios will begin winding down its support for Baldur's Gate 3 after the release of official modding tools in a future patch.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Calls for Reparations for the City's Black Residents