Oklahoma News Report

June 3, 2010 (28:39)

Oklahoma’s only democrat on the congressional delegation has drawn a primary election opponent. State Senator Jim Wilson of Tahlequah says he decided to challenge Dan Boren because of the congressman’s stance on national health care reform. The number of former residents of Picher Oklahoma adding their names to a lawsuit over the buy-out of the Tar Creek town is growing. 270 people now say they were cheated by low offers in the buy-out program. A yearly survey by the state health department shows risky health behaviors by Oklahoma teenagers is on the decline and they are now more physically active. Tonight on the ONR, you will meet an amazing Oklahoman. A certified genius and he’s only 6 years old.

Originally broadcast on June 3, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 2, 2010 (28:39)

A state appeals court rejects a suit by teachers in Lawton to recover money improperly withheld from their paychecks. A statute of limitations blocked the recovery. More appeals are possible. Advocates for patients with sickle cell disease are waiting to see if an interim legislative study will be approved to fund programs that provide medications and educational materials. A special event to attract newly graduated high school students into college for a degree in education is being greeted with some skepticism. The students don’t care much for the starting salary and the job security. In-Depth tonight, a discussion of funding for programs that feed senior citizens. Was the appropriation large enough to reopen all the feeding sites that were closed under budget cuts and what’s the future funding look like for senior programs? Answers tonight on the ONR.

Originally broadcast on June 2, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

June 1, 2010 (28:38)

With schools closed for summer, the effort to provide nutritious meals to children who otherwise would be likely to go hungry has begun. An event over the Memorial Day weekend in Wisconsin was so successful that similar events are being planned in other states including Oklahoma. The Wisconsin gathering was held to give Vietnam Veterans the welcome home they did not receive originally. Over the last three months more than 300 cattle have been stolen in cattle rustling incidents across the state. Now state officials are asking the public and other law enforcement agencies to help by providing information that leads to suspects. More than $725,000 dollars in aid has been given to Oklahomans in 9 counties that are part of a federal disaster declaration because of recent severe storms.

Originally broadcast on June 1, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

May 28, 2010 (28:40)

It’s the last day of the legislative session. There have been snags, both the house and senate held votes open for over an hour to arm twist members for votes. They have to finish their work by 5:00 pm today. The murder trial of Oklahoma City pharmacist Jerome Ersland has been delayed for two months. It is now scheduled to begin on August 30th. In-Depth tonight, excerpts from the keynote speech by David McCullough at this years Foundation for Excellence banquet. Foreclosure rates are going up quickly across the state. The rates rose by 95-percent for the first quarter compared to a year ago.

Originally broadcast on May 28, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

May 27, 2010 (28:39)

The State Board of Education has rescinded the accreditation of two public schools which means they cannot continue to operate. The governor has vetoed another anti-abortion bill. This measure would limit coverage by private insurers who are part of insurance exchanges created by the National Health Care law. A death-review finds 7-year old Aja Johnson suffered abuse at the hands of her killer, for the last three years of her life. DHS got seven abuse and neglect reports over the last two years of the child’s life but did not remove her from the home A special report on a new program that teaches men who are in prison how to be better fathers while they are still locked up and especially when they get out. In-Depth, state health officials are asking parents to have their children immunized against bacterial meningitis before summer camp or other activities begin.

Originally broadcast on May 27, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

May 26, 2010 (28:41)

The Oklahoma House has rejected the Education Reform Bill, designed to shape the states next attempt for Race to the Top funding. Opponents claimed it had ideas developed by the United Nations. The bill may be reconsidered late today. Senate Tom Coburn is trying to convince his colleagues to approve an amendment to the new Defense funding bill to offset the increase in the DOD budget by selling off government property. $60-billion dollars is involved. In-Depth tonight we discuss the budget deal with an expert outside of the legislature as lawmakers put the finishing touches on the spending blue print. Organic farming has become a very big business. A special Going Green report on what it takes to stay in the organic farming business in today’s economy.

Originally broadcast on May 26, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

May 25, 2010 (28:38)

Originally broadcast on May 25, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

May 24, 2010 (28:39)

The House and Senate get down to work as the last week of the legislative session begins. The House has passed a bill banning the use of children in advertisements for the Lottery. Instead of the expected 14% cutback, a state agency that helps the developmentally disabled become more productive citizens got a funding increase. How they plan to put the money to use in a special report tonight. Part three of our series on the inaugural “Honor Flight”. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns plus reflections on a whirlwind day in the nation’s capitol concludes this series of reports. The severe weather has damaged more than homes and other structures. The state’s wheat harvest has taken a beating. Details tonight on the ONR.

Originally broadcast on May 24, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

May 20, 2010 (28:41)

The Governor and legislative leaders have reached a budget agreement. It calls for average budget cuts of 3.7% with some agencies receiving more and some less. House Minority Leader Representative Danny Morgan talks live tonight on the ONR about the new budget deal and if democrats are okay with the deal. An annual report on education funding shows Oklahoma remains 49th in the nation for the amount of money spent per pupil. In Muskogee, City Hall is planning to turn off some street lights to save money. And part 2 tonight of our special series on the inaugural “Honor Flight”.

Originally broadcast on May 20, 2010

Oklahoma News Report

May 19, 2010 (28:39)

Work on a new budget for state government is at a very touchy stage. Unconfirmed reports indicated talks broke off overnight but resumed Wednesday morning. As the state braces for another round of severe weather, in Hulbert the issue is deciding who is responsible for turning on the warning sirens. Tonight part one of a three part series on “Honor Flights”. OETA went along for the first trip to Washington D.C., taking World War II veterans to see memorials built to honor their service to the nation. A Mega Millions lottery ticket worth $1-million was purchased by someone from a grocery store in Oklahoma City. It is the first Mega Million winner of that size since the lottery began in the state back in January.

Originally broadcast on May 19, 2010