Oklahoma News Report

July 22, 2010 (28:39)

A National Religious Liberty watchdog group is asking the I.R.S. to investigate an Edmond church organization for allegedly violating federal tax exemptions for openly supporting the campaign of state Rep. Sally Kern. A state lawmaker and the group Smoke Free Oklahoma is calling on the Corrections department to again allow smoking in minimum security prisons. Tulsa police say an internal probe has uncovered additional incidents of theft and lying on the part of police officers. Five officers already face a criminal indictment in a federal grand jury probe. Sandy Garrett gives her final State of Education speech. She talked about the differences in education from 1990 when she took office until now. Ms. Garrett pointed out 35% of students in 1990 received free or reduced priced lunches. Now that number is up to 60%.

Originally broadcast on July 22, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 21, 2010 (28:40)

If a lawsuit by the State Insurance Commissioner is successful, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program would lose nearly $190-million. Because of requirements on stimulus money the state has used to shore up the program, how health care authority officials deal with such a cut is limited. Budget cuts for the city of Sapulpa mean several fire fighters are losing their jobs. A new education report gives the state a B+ score for increased academic standards in English and Mathematics. A federal appeals court takes up a case that could force drastic changes to the most expensive highway project in state history. Where the jobs will be in the months ahead in Oklahoma. We talk with an expert tonight on the ONR.

Originally broadcast on July 21, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 20, 2010 (28:34)

A new national study claims Oklahoma and 13 other states are headed for a water crisis in part due to climate change. Oklahoma water officials say they see the biggest issue as a lack of infrastructure to preserve and move the water the state has. New unemployment numbers show the rate is up one tenth of a percent to 6.8%. That equates to just over 120-thousand people unemployed in the state. Oklahoma Congressman John Sullivan is blasting the Obama administration for trying to continue a ban on off shore drilling. His comments came at the start of congressional hearings into the Interior Departments role in the BP disaster in the gulf. Oklahoma used just under half of its allotment of H1-N1 vaccine which means more than 200-thousand doses sat unused and have now expired. For the first time, not everyone who walks through the doors of City-County Health Departments across the state will get free immunization shots. As the start of the school year draws near budget cuts are forcing health agencies to charge those not on Medicaid or other government programs.

Originally broadcast on July 20, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 19, 2010 (28:39)

An Oklahoma County District Court Judge has kept a temporary injunction in place until early next year, blocking an anti-abortion law from going into effect. The law requires a woman seeking an abortion to have an ultra-sound exam and to be shown the results and have it described to her by the doctor. Governor Henry is asking for another federal disaster declaration this time for Oklahoma County from flooding earlier this month. U.S. News and World Report is out with a list of the top 10 states feeling the most pain from the recession. Oklahoma is ranked 10th with the combined loss of services plus tax hikes reaching nearly 500 dollars per taxpayer. Tonight we profile the last of six candidates for Governor. We join the campaign trial with Attorney General Drew Edmondson.

Originally broadcast on July 19, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 16, 2010 (28:39)

Originally broadcast on July 16, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 15, 2010 (28:40)

Originally broadcast on July 15, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 14, 2010 (28:42)

When BP tries its new cap to shut down the leaking Deep Horizon well, it will be special valves made in Oklahoma that will be used. The equipment made by Pipers Valve Systems of Oklahoma City produced a dozen or so of the valves on the new BP containment cap. The S.B.A. has approved listing Oklahoma County as a disaster area because of last months floods. That will provide low interest loans to renters, homeowners and businesses for damage not covered by insurance. The governor is requesting more federal aid, this time for seven counties impacted by the floods and severe storms from last month. With the July primary elections now less than two weeks away candidates are filing their first campaign expenditure reports. In our ongoing Oklahoma Votes 2010 coverage tonight we profile republican candidate for Governor, state Senator Randy Brogdon.

Originally broadcast on July 14, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 13, 2010 (28:40)

State government has closed the books on fiscal year 2010. The final numbers show the state brought in just under 1-billion dollars less than the year before. For the month of June tax collections were up a meager 2% compared to a year ago. A new poll of likely republican voters in the states fifth congressional district show the race between the top three candidates is now very close. Kevin Calvey is still the front-runner with James Lankford and State Rep. Mike Thompson close behind. The undecided still have the biggest number in the contest. The NAACP is expected to approve a resolution condemning what it believes is rampant racism in the Tea Party movement. Tea Party leaders are firing back and we talk live tonight with an Oklahoma Tea Party leader about the resolution. The city of Sapulpa has decided to make major cuts in funding for its fire department because of a funding shortfall. City leaders take up possible cuts for police next. Four Oklahoma communities are among Money Magazines top 100 smaller cities to live in. Tonight we begin a series of reports on what is so special about these four communities. Ranked 35th on Money’s list is the city of Edmond.

Originally broadcast on July 13, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 12, 2010 (29:34)

Despite efforts by the legislature to fix the problem, another new study shows the states Teachers Retirement system is among the worst funded in the nation. The fund is at least $10-billion dollars underfunded. More than 400 state employees have accepted voluntary buyout offers for early retirement. Nearly 300 employees of the Department of Corrections have taken advantage of early buyouts. Despite newly energized voters brought to the world of politics by the Tea Party movement, when the legislature convenes next year there will be many familiar faces. 46 House members and 6 in the Senate have won automatic re-election since no one filed to oppose them. A team of volunteers from Norman is preparing to leave for Uganda this month on a humanitarian mission. We talk with the leader of the group about new concerns in light of two deadly bombings there over the weekend. Pine trees across the state are being wiped out as a pine beetle epidemic spreads. What it means for the future from state Forestry officials tonight on the ONR.

Originally broadcast on July 12, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

July 9, 2010 (28:39)

A state of emergency is now in effect for 63 counties because of the severe storms and flooding. So far there has been at least three drowning deaths connected to the floods. The family that spent five years attempting to convince lawmakers to pass a law mandating insurance coverage for children with autism has decided it is time to move on. The Wayne Rhode family is leaving Oklahoma in favor of Minnesota, where insurance coverage is available for their autistic son. As part of Oklahoma Votes 2010 coverage, tonight we profile Robert Hubbard, who is seeking the Republican Party nomination for Governor. The recent flooding has captured pictures of young children playing in the water, which is extremely dangerous. We talk live with the head of Oklahoma Safe Kids on the message they are sending to parents of just how dangerous it is to allow children to play in or near flood water.

Originally broadcast on July 9, 2010