We lead the newsletter this Wednesday with a very urgent matter for an Oklahoma family, hoping the state will have mercy on their loved one who is set to die by execution on Thursday. That story comes to us from Sierra Pfeifer at KOSU.

And a great Veterans Day story from Joe Tomlinson at Tulsa Flyer about a local nonprofit giving veterans a sense of community and belonging, a cup of coffee at a time.

Then we close it out with another Bedlam Buds conversation with my buddy Jeremy. He gives us the low-down on everything Oklahoma State Cowboys sports, including an impressive win for the wrestling squad over Stanford.

It should be a beautiful Wednesday here in Oklahoma. Please enjoy it!

**

By Sierra Pfeifer, KOSU
Click here to read the story.
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Tremane Wood’s brother, Andre, says he has talked to more reporters in the past few weeks than in his whole life.

“People in Oklahoma don’t understand the severity and finality of death row until you have someone on there,” he said after the Pardon and Parole Board voted to recommend clemency for his brother last week.

Right now, his brother is under 24-hour surveillance at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. He’s awaiting a decision from Gov. Kevin Stitt, who has final say on whether he will be the next man executed on Oklahoma’s death row.

Andre said he can’t imagine what it’s like to be sitting in a holding cell, feet away from the execution chamber. He said he and his family members are doing everything they can to ask Stitt to show mercy.

“We have less than 48 hours before my brother is executed. And we, as the family, just ask Governor Stitt to please look at everything that was done in this trial that shows that my brother was not, did not receive a fair trial,” Andre said to reporters gathered at the OKC First Church off the NW Expressway.

Parole board members voted 3-2 to recommend clemency for Wood, citing possible prosecutorial misconduct and an ineffective trial attorney who was struggling with substance abuse.

Click here to finish the story.

Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.

By Joe Tomlinson, Tulsa Flyer
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Transitioning into civilian life after the military poses a variety of issues for veterans. For 15 years, a Tulsa nonprofit has helped veterans find community through conversation — and a cup of coffee.

The Coffee Bunker near 41st and Sheridan provides a range of services for veterans, from employment to education and many things in between. However, it’s the camaraderie that provides a sense of community and belonging.

Harold Shannon is a 69-year-old veteran from Arkansas who served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He says he found his way to the Coffee Bunker two months ago and it is the best veteran-oriented group he’s participated in.

“You get to talk to different people that are going through what you’re going through. I like that,” Shannon said. “They have the best information to help you get through what you’re going through. It feels like I’ve been moving forward since I’ve been coming here.”

Kevin Wright is a 65-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Milwaukee who served six years as a combat medic.  He’s been visiting the Coffee Bunker since they opened and says he’s been a mentor to other veterans along the way.

“I get enjoyment out of doing it,” Wright said. “The fulfillment part is seeing that a person who thought they could not receive, can receive.”

James Caddy is a 54-year-old native Tulsan who served eight years in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill. He says the people at the Coffee Bunker care deeply about one another.

“This place, for me, it’s a safe place,” Caddy said. “When I come in, I feel calm because I know the people that work here, they do care.”

Click here to finish the story.

By Ryan Welton & Jeremy Cook, Oklahoma Memo
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It was a strong weekend for Oklahoma State athletics, as the Cowboys dominated in both wrestling and basketball while gearing up for a winnable (?) football matchup against Kansas State. The OSU wrestling team opened its season with a commanding 33–7 victory over No. 15 Stanford, winning eight of ten weight classes — including two major upsets by true freshmen. Both Landon Robideau of Minnesota and Stillwater native LaDarion Lockett took down multi-time All-Americans in their collegiate debuts, signaling the start of what could be an impressive season for David Taylor’s squad.

Next up: the National Duals in Tulsa, featuring top programs like Iowa, Cornell, and Nebraska. The event, returning with a $1 million purse, will test the Cowboys early and could add another statement win to their résumé.

On the hardwood, Oklahoma State men’s basketball delivered an 87-63 rout of Texas A&M, spreading the scoring across several players and showing strong defensive chemistry. The women’s team remained undefeated after a busy week and will host its annual Education Day game Thursday morning, drawing thousands of elementary students from across Payne County — a signature community event that builds future fan support.

The Cowboys football team hosts Kansas State this weekend, searching for pride, momentum, and a glimpse of the future amid a tough season. “At this point, it’s about who wants to be here next year,” Jeremy said. “You’ve got to play for the name on the front of the jersey — and that’s how people will remember the one on the back.”

Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.

A hand-curated list of the best journalism from across the state:

• VA takes control of new Tulsa hospital in ceremony on Veterans Day (Tulsa World)*

• Kiowa Code Talkers inducted into Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame (KOSU)

• Oklahoma food stamp clients to receive partial benefits (Oklahoma Voice)

• FAA flight cuts hit Tulsa as air traffic controllers work without pay during shutdown (Public Radio Tulsa)

• OKC charter school with 1 teacher and 115 students lands on probation (Oklahoma Voice)

• ‘Big part of the conversation’: Legislature to consider reimplementing literacy-based retention (NonDoc)

• Edmond holding sales tax renewal election Nov. 18 during conservative budget year (NonDoc)

• OKC archbishop elected to influential leadership position of US Conference of Catholic Bishops (The Oklahoman)*

• He thinks the trooper he killed is still alive — Oklahoma can’t execute him unless he understands his crime (The Frontier)

• 'There's nowhere else for them to go': Oklahoma's history of civil commitment and homelessness (KOSU)

• Oklahoma Health Care Authority board members vote against abortion attestation emergency rule (KGOU)

• Coweta parents voice support for schools after sexual assault allegations (Public Radio Tulsa)

• Thunder improve to 11-1 with 126-102 win over Golden State (ESPN)

• Sooners climb in latest College Football Playoff rankings (OU Daily)

Kinda perfect if I’m being honest.

🌡️ Wednesday's high in OKC 74°
🌡️ Wednesday’s high in Tulsa 71°

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