>> A BLOCKBUSTER AUDIT CLAIMS THAT THE STITT ADMINISTRATION DROPPED THE BALL IN DISTRIBUTING FEDERAL AID EARMARKED FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING.

>> THE GOVERNOR IS SENATE PRO TEM AT ODDS OVER TRIBAL COMPACTS.

>> THIS ISN'T KEVIN STITT VERSUS THE TRIBES OR THE GOVERNOR VERSUS THE TRIBES.

>> VETERAN AND THEIR FAMILIES REACT TO THE IMPENDING CLOSURE OF A VETERAN FACILITY IN TALIHINA.

>> I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE HERE.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

>> RIGHT NOW, I DON'T HAVE MUCH.

>> A CHANCE TO CLEAN THE STATE AT THE ANNUAL EXPUNGEMENT EXPO IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

>> I FEEL LIKE I HAD DESERVED A SECOND CHANCE A LONG TIME AGO.

>> IS THE TIME RIGHT FOR A THIRD POLITICAL PARTY TO EMERGE IN AMERICA.

>> WE WOULD OFFER A REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT RUNNING TOGETHER.

>> THOSE STORY AND MUCH MORE NEXT, ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>> HELLO, EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

I AM RICH LEN Z.

THE OKLAHOMA VETERANS COMMISSION REVERSED ON THE FUTURE CLOSING OF THE VETERAN'S CENTER IN TALIHINA FOLLOWING THE CRITICISM OF THE DIVISION FROM LAWMAKER AND PAM FAMES OF VETERANS WHO LIVE THERE.

STEVE SHAW TRAVELLED TO TALIHINA THIS WEEK.

>> RICH, IN A FEW DAYS SINCE WILBURTON STATE REPRESENTATIVE JIM GREG O SOUNDED THE ALAM THAT THE TALIHINA VETERANS CENTER HAD JUST 90 DAYS UNTIL IT WILL CLOSE, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HAS ANNOUNCED IT PUT THAT DECISION ON HOLD FOR NOW.

>> 82-YEAR-OLD DAMMION PUTNAM WAS DRAFTED IN THE ARMY AND SERVED IN KOREA IN 1963.

>> I SEEN THE DOG.

>> WHAT IS THE DOG.

>> YOU KNOW, PEOPLE DYING.

KIDS STARVING TO DEATH.

>> YOU DON'T FORGET THAT STUFF, DO YOU?

>> NO, I DIDN'T.

HE LIVED IN TALIHINA VETERANS CENTER IN SEVEN YEARS AND DEALT WITH ALL KINDS OF HEALTH ISSUES INCLUDING A BROKEN BACK AND BROKEN HIP AND THREE STROKES.

IN THE HEY DAY WITH A STAFF OF 150, TALIHINA CARED FOR 175 VETERANS AT A TIME.

>> AND NOW IT IS JUST OVER 30.

>> I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE HERE.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

>> RIGHT NOW, I DON'T HAVE MUCH.

>> STEVE BALLER TURNS 82 ON JULY 3RD AND THE ARMY DRAFTED HIM IN 1958.

HE SERVED THREE TOWERS IN GERMRY AND TWO IN VIETNAM AND TWO IN KOREA BEFORE BEING MEDICALLY DISCHARGED IN 1979.

HE LIVED IN THE TALIHINA VETERAN CENTER FOR PAST FIVE YEARS.

>> THIS IS HOME.

AND THESE LADIES HERE, IT IS JUST LIKE THE LAST TIME I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL, I TOLD THEM, I NEED YOU ALL, ONE OF YOU DOCTORS TO GIVE ME A DISCHARGE.

I GOT TO GET BACK DOWN TO TALIHINA IN THE VETERANS CENTER.

I HAVE 54 WIVES DOWN THERE TO TAKE CARE OF.

THEY ALL LAUGHED AND THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY.

BUT THEY DID WRITE ME UP A DISCHARGE.

IT TOOK A COUPLE OF DAYS TO TRANSFER OUT OF THERE TO DOWN HERE AND ALL OF THESE.

I TELL YOU WHAT, IF I HAD KNOWED THAT THINGS WAS GOOD HERE AS THEY WAS, I HAVE BEEN IN HERE A LONG TIME AGO.

I WOULDN'T HAVE SUFFERED AT HOME.

>> TALIHINA IS 1 OF 7 PLACES IN THE SOONER STATE, VETERANS WHO NO LONGER CARE FOR THEMSELVES LIVE.

THE RECOLLECTS INNARD MORE AND CLAR MORE AND CLINTON AND LAWTON AND SULFER AND TALIHINA.

TALIHINA HAS BEEN ON THE CLOCK.

>> THE STATE LEGISLATURE ACTUALLY BEGAN THE PROCESS OF CLOSING THE TALIHINA STATE VETERANS HOMETOWN FIVE YEARS AGO.

>> THE PLAN WAS TO BUILD A REPLACEMENT FOR TALIHINA IN SALASAW WHICH IS 90 MILES TO THE NORTH.

>> SINCE THE PLAN HAS BEEN TO WIND THIS DOWN AFTER THAT PASSED IN 2018, THEY HAVE STARTED SLOWING THE PROCESS OF TAKING NEW PATIENTS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STAY HERE FOREVER.

I WILL GIVE THEM CREDIT.

THEY TRIED TO LOWER THE NUMBER.

>> STATE REPRESENTATIVE JAMES GREG O SAID WORD TRICKLED OUT THAT THE REMAINING THREE DOZENS OR SO VETERANS IN TALIHINA WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE BY OCTOBER, WHICH HE SAID IS RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING THAT THE SALASAW PROJECT IS NOT CLOSE TO BEING FINISHED.

>> THEY WERE DEVASTATED.

THEY KNEW WHEN SALASAR WAS FULLY FUNCTION AND RUNNING AND THEY WOULD TRANSFER THERE.

THEY DID NOT THINK AT SOME .90 DAYS YOU ARE OUT.

AND THAT IS BLIND SIDED THEM.

>> IT WOULD NOT BE READY IN 90 DAYS.

>> NO, WE ARE LOOKING AT TWO YEARS, THEY ARE HOPEFUL OF OCTOBER OF '24.

THEY HAVE HAD PUSHED BACK.

>> SARAH BRASHEERS IS THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TALIHINA VETERANS HOME.

>> THE CHALLENGES OF STAFFING IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE.

WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH STAFF TO CARE FOR THE VETERANS WITHOUT CONTRACT STAFF.

SO WE ARE HIRING CONTRACT STAFF TO HELP CARE FOR THE VETERANS.

>> AT A COST OF 3 OR 4 TIMES MORE THAN NORMALLY IT WOULD COST, CORRECT?

>> YES.

>> IS THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS HERE?

>> I BELIEVE IT IS.

>> AT LIGHT BLAST WEEK.

HEADWAY IS HELPING THE VETERANS FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GO IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM OF ALL OF THIS IS WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG IN SALASAW.

>> THEY PASSED THE LAW IN 2018, AND IN THE PACK HALF OF 2023, AND WE STILL DON'T HAVE THE FACILITY.

>> JENNIFER BLOOMFIELD, COMMUNICATION'S DIRECTOR FOR THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS.

IT IS THEIR JOB TO HELP THE STATE'S 300000 VETERANS.

>> IT IS UNFORTUNATE EVENT AND SOME OF THEM COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTIBLE AND COVID, OF COURSE, THREW A WRENCH IN EVERYTHING.

NO ONE COULD HAVE FORESEEN THAT.

THE ONLY WAY WE CAN IS IDENTIFY AND FIX THE PROBLEMS.

>> SHE SAID NONE OF THE PROUD VETERANS IN THE CENTER WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.

>> IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE TALIHINA LOCATION WILL REMAIN OPEN.

>> IT IS POSSIBLE.

MANY CONVERSATIONS ARE HAD.

IT IS NOT OVERNIGHT.

THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO CONSIDER AND FACTORS.

>> THAT IS GOOD NEWS FOR MARIE WAGONER AND HUSBAND CHARLES.

THEY SERVED IN THE NAVY AND CHARLES SERVED IN THE VIETNAM AND LIVED IN THE TALIHINA VETERANS ARE CENTER SINCE 2019.

>> DOES HE TALK ABOUT IT?

I HAVE TO DIG IT OUT.

WHEN HE GETS INTO IT, IT ENDS IN TEAR ITS.

>> THAT WAS A TOUGH PLACE TO BE.

>> SO I TRY NOT TO.

>> OKAY, THAT WAS A TOUGH PLACE TO BE.

>> SO, YEAH.

LIKE I SAID, IT DOESN'T REALLY TALK ABOUT IT.

>> DEPENDING ON WHO YOU TALK TO, KEEPING THE TALIHINA VETERANS CENTER OPEN IS COSTING TAXPAYERS 500000 A MONTH.

>> RICH.

THAT IS A GREAT STORY.

>> A BLOCKBUSTER REPORT RELEASED BY STATE AUDITOR CINDY BYRD SAID THE STITT ADMINISTRATION DROPPED THE BALL IN OVERSIGHT IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF FEDERAL AID MEANT TO HELP THE STUDENTS LEARN AT HOME ENERGY THE PANDEMIC.

>> THAT'S RIGHT, CINDY BYRD ISSUED THE AUDIT QUESTIONING MONEY FOR EDUCATION SPLICE AND PAY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITUION.

SAT THE SAME TIME STATE SUPERINTENDENT RYAN WALTERS IS RECOMMENDING FOR VIRTUE AND MORALITY IN THE CLASSROOM.

THEY LOOKED AT HOW THE FEDERAL PANDEMIC AID WAS ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE STATE OF OAK.

>> WHAT WE ARE CONCERNED WITH.

WE USED TO BE SEEING 5 MILLION IN QUESTIONED COST.

THIS YEAR IT WAS 29 MILLION.

>> BYRD SAID THE 29 MILLION IN QUESTIONABLE SPENDING MEANS THAT THE MONEY WAS NOT USED IN THE WAY ITS WAS INTENDED TO.

>> THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT SPECIAL MAKING SURE AND OVERSEEING THE FUNDS.

WE ARE SEEING THAT BASIC GUIDELINES ARE NOT FOLLOWED.

>> THAT MEANS MAINTAINING DOCUMENTATION AND MAKING SURE THAT SERVICE AND GOODS ARE PAID FOR PROPERTILY.

FEDERAL AID WAS INVESTIGATED AND INCLUDED 39.9 MILLION DESIGNATED FOR THE GOVERNOR'S RELIEF FUND KNOWN AS GREER.

>> THE GOVERNOR HAD WIDE LATITUDE OF HOW IT WOULD SERVE THE STUDENTS LEARNING VIRTUALLY.

8 MILLION WAS QUESTIONED BECAUSE THE BASIC GUIDELINES WERE NOT FOLLOWED.

>> BYRD SAID THE FINDINGS FOR TWO PROGRAMS UNDER THE GREER FUND AND STAY IN SCHOOL WERE PROBLEMATIC.

IT ALLOWS LOW INCOME FAMILIES TO PURCHASE EDUCATION SUPPLIES.

THERE WAS 8 MILLION IN QUESTIONABLE SPENDING.

5000 RECEIVED 1500 TO SPEND IN RETAILER AND AUDITOR BYRD SAID THERE WERE NO PERIMETERS OR RESTRICTIONS ON ITEMS PURCHASED.

>> 8 MILLION BUDGET TO SET UP DIGITAL WALLETS FOR EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES FOR THE CHILDREN.

THERE WAS OPTION OF CONTROLS IN PLACE TO LIMIT WHAT COULD BE PURCHASED AND THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THAT DID NOT PUT CONTROLS IN PLACE AND AS A RESULT FAMILIES WENT OUT AND BOUGHT WHATEVER THEY WANTED.

>> THE STATE AUDITOR BYRD TOOK,'RE ISSUE WITH THE 10 MILLION TO HELP LOW INCOME FAMILIES PAY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TU TIGSZ.

THE AUDIT GAVE PREFERIAL TREATMENT FOR SOME APPLICANTS IN THE PROGRAM.

IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AWARDS WERE PROVIDED TO 1000 STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES WERE NOT IN FINANCIAL NEED.

>> WHEN WE SAW IT WAS NOT RIGHT AND QUESTIONED COST, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN MAKE THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA PAY IT BACK.

THAT WOULD BE YOU AND I, THE TAXPAYERS PAYING IT BACK.

>> STUDY AFTER STUDY SHOWS.

>> AND STATE SUPERINTENDENT RYAN WALTERS WAS FORMERLY THE STATE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EVERY KID COUNTS IN OKLAHOMA, A NONPROFIT THAT HIRED A COMPANY CLASS WALLET TO OVERSEE THE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS.

WALTERS SAID CLASS WALLET IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISCREPANCIES IN SPENDING.

AS WE KNOW AND ACCORDING TO THE AUDIT, A NEGLIGENT OUT OF STATE VENDOR SHOULD WORK WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RECOVER MISUSED FUNDS.

>> WE HAVE KNOWN FOR 8 OR 9 MONTHS AFTER THE MISUSE OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

>> PASTOR CLARK FARLY IS MINISTER FOR PASTORS FOR OKLAHOMA KIDS.

THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE PUSH FOR RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

>> IN ORDER TO HAVE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, WE HAVE TO SEPARATE THOSE TWO THINGS.

WE CAN'T HAVE A STATE CHURCH AND THE STATE DIRECTING THAT.

SUPERINTENDENT WALTERS ANNOUNCED HE WANTED PRAYER BACK IN SCHOOL.

>> I MAKE THE RECOMMENDATION THAT ALL SCHOOLS FAITHFULLY ONE MINUTIVE OF SILENCE EVERY DAY AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST TELL STUDENTS THAT THEY CAN PRAY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ONE MINUTE AND THEY SHOULD BE FULLY INFORMED OF HOW TO UTILIZE THEIR MINUTE OF SILENCE.

>> HE READ RECOMMENDATIONS READ BY THE OKLAHOMA ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FINDING PRINCIPLES.

THEY RECOMMEND A FRAMED COPY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOMS.

RELIGION AND SCHOOL SOME INSIST NEED TO BE SLATE.

>> GOD XHANTDED US TO LOVE AND NOT CONDEMN.

I DON'T CARE FOR SOME THINGS, BUT I -- I DON'T I WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL.

I WANT KIDS BASICALLY NO CROSS OR GREY GAY PRIDE OR ANYTHING OR DISTRACTIONS.

>> AND I THINK AS A PARENT, IT IS MY CHOICE AS TO IF I WANT TO INTRODUCE MY CHILD TO ADULTURY AND COVETING WITH A SPOUSE.

IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING I CHOOSE TO DO TO TEACH THAT KID.

NOT SOMETHING MY LITTLE KID SHOULD LEARN IN FIRST GRADE.

>> FARLY SAID HIS GROUP WILL ADVOCATE FOR OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

>> I THINK THE ONLY THING IS, IT CONCERNS ME WHEN WE ARE BRINGING IN THESE RELIGIOUS DISCUSSIONS IN TO GOVERNMENT OFFICE AND OVERSIGHT, BUT WE ARE AVOIDING THE REAL ISSUES THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SUPPOSED TO BE THERE FOR.

>> AUDITOR BYRD SAID THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGREES WITH THE FINDINGS IN THE AUDIT, IT WOULD COST TAXPAYERS, RICH?

>> TAELYR THANK YOU.

>> AND THE LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL SESSION SHOWS NO SIGN WAS ENDING SOON.

NEITHER DOES THE BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE LEADER OF THE SENATE AND THE GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA.

GREG TREAT AND KEVIN STITT HAVE AGREED TO DISAGREE ABOUT TRIBAL CONTRACT AND WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE THEM.

JASON DOYLE IS AT THE CAPITAL WITH MORE.

>> RICH, THE SESSION IS FOCUSED ON THE VET O OVERRIGHTS OF TWO COMPACTS.

ONE FOR TRIBAL LICENSE TAGS WHICH THE HOUSE HAS ALREADY OVERRIDDEN AND THE OTHER IS FOR TOBACCO TAX REVENUE WHICH HIT A SNAG THIS WEEK.

THESE SENATE BELLS HEARD IN THE SPRING AND FALL SILENT IN THE REST OF THE YEAR.

BUT THERE IS BUSINESS AT HAND EXTENDING THE SPECIAL SESSION UNTIL THE END OF THE JULY.

THE VOTE FOR THAT WAS WON.

>> ALL OF THOSE IN FAVOR OF ADOPTING THE HR 1002 INDICATE AYE.

NAY.

>> AND THE AYES HAVE IT AND THE HCR IS ADOPTED.

>> IT WAS A VET O RIDE THAT WAS DIFFICULT.

GOVERNOR STITT CALLED ON SENATORS TO VET O WHY WHILE HE TRIED TO AFFAIR HIS OWN VERSION OF THE TOBACCO COMPACT.

>> I AM ENCOURAGING THE LEGISLATOR NOT TO OVERRIDE THE VET O.

IF IT IS A ONE YEAREX TENSION AND 50/50 TERM THEY SHOULD SIGN WHAT WE OFFERED.

>> I HAVE CONCERNS WITH THE CONTENT AND THE TOPIC ITSELF.

MY CONCERN IS ACTUALLY WITH THE STATUTORY LANGUAGE THAT WE ARE ENACTING AND I BELIEVE THAT IT IS IT A VIOLATION OF STATUTE.

>> WE JUMPED IN TO REFEREE AND WE ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE IN THE COMPACT'S THEMSELVES.

WE ARE JUMPING IN TO SOMETHING THAT IS NOT OUR LANE TO JUMP IN TO.

>> AND ON THIS DAY, STITT GOT HIS WISH BY ONE VOTE.

>> MEMBERS.

SENATE BILL RECEIVED 31 EYE.

EIGHT NAY.

IT IS NOW SUSTAINED.

>> 40 MEMBERS OF THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.

EIGHT OF THEM, FOUND THE GOVERNOR'S ARGUMENT CONVINCING AND VOTED AGAINST THE OVERRIDING >> TREAT IS CONFIDENT THAT WILL NOT BE THE CASE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

>> I KNOW AT LEAST FOUR YES VOTES NOT HERE TODAY.

THOSE WHO WENT OUT ON PROCEDURE.

THERE IS NO FINAL ACTION ON MOTION OVERRIDE.

WE'LL OVERRIDE IN A GOOD MARGIN AT SOME PONENT IN JULY.

>> STITT BELIEVES HE OFFERED THE TRIBES A COMPACT TO PROTECT THE STATE'S INTEREST.

>> AND SO, IT SIMPLY SAYS THIS.

WE CLARIFY IT IS ONLY ON TRUST LAND.

>> CURRENTLY THE STATE RECEIVES 27 MILLION FOR THE TOBACCO CONTRACTS AND 24 MILLION.

AND IF IT STANDS, IT COULD MEAN AN 81 MILLION BUDGET HOLE.

STITT FEARS THAT A TRIBE COULD PURCHASE A MAJOR CONVENIENCE STORE CHANCE AND CAUSING THE STATE TO LOSE OUT ON TOBACCO REVENUE.

HIS COMPACT PROPOSAL WOULD KEEP IT ON INDIAN TRUST LANDS.

>> THE TRIBES DON'T WANT TO SIGN THAT IN MY OPINION, AND THEY ARE PUSHING FOR ARE THE COMPACT THAT TAKES THE DEFINITION OF INDIAN COUNTRY AND AFTER THE McGET DECISION IT HAS DIFFERENT CONSEQUENCES.

IT COULD MEAN 42% OF OUR STATE AND THAT'S WHY THEY WANT IT SIGNED.

>> THE GOVERNOR IS LIVING IN A McGET WORLD IN MY MIND.

THAT CHANGED THE DEFINITION OF INDIAN LANDS.

>> TREAT SAID THE LEGISLATURE DOESN'T HAVE THE POWER TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION LIKE STITT CONTENDS.

>> THIS IDEA THAT THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS EXPANDING THE DEFINITION, THE BILLS DO NOT SAY THAT.

READ THE BILLS, THEY ARE SIMPLE.

THE BILLS SAY WE ARE GOING TO EXTEND THOSE AND THOSE EXPIRED IN THE TRIBE SENDED A LETTER TO THE TAX COMMISSION.

>> AND STITT DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE LEGISLATURE WANTS TO GO THE ROUTE TO EXTEND THE FIRST.

>> YOU DON'T NEED TO RUN IT.

I HAVE OFFERED THIS 50/50 ON A ONE YEAR EXTENSION.

WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT.

HE SAID IT WOULD PROVIDE THE GOVERNOR AND TRIBES TO WORK OUT A NEW COMPAQ FRAMEWORK.

>> THE LEGISLATURE COULD RESERVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IT OUT.

I WANT TO GIVE THEM ANOTHER YEAR AND IF HE DIDN'T SHOW PROGRESS WE COULD TAKE IT BACK.

>> HE SAID THE GOVERNOR IS NOT FACING REAL ITY.

EVEN TRUMP WONDERED WHY STITT IS THIS WAY.

>> I HAVE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT IS BEST FOR ALL 4 MILLION OKLAHOMA.

THE GOVERNOR SAID TWO TRIBES SHOWED INTEREST BUT DID NOT NAME THEM.

STITT ADDS HE CAN WORK WITH THE TRIBES.

>> IT IS NOT AGAINST SOVEREIGNTY.

WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER SINCE 1907.

BUT NOT HAVE ONE SET OF THE RULES THAT FAVORS ONE GROUP OVER THE OTHER.

>> IF THE VET OS ARE OVERTURNED.

STITT CAN NEGOTIATE ON BEHALF OF THE STATE WITH THE TRIBES.

>> HE CAN STRIKE A DEAL AND I HOPE HE DOES.

I HOPE AND I AGREE THAT THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA NEEDS TO GET A BETTER DEAL OUT OF IT.

WE CAN'T BULLY THE TRIBES IN A BETTER ARRANGEMENT.

>> AND NOW THAT THE SENATE APPROVED EXTENDING THE SPECIAL SESSION, HE WILL WORK TO COORDINATE ANOTHER ATTEMPT IN THE VET O OVERRIDE SOMETIME IN JULY.

RICH?

>> AND BEFORE WE WRAP UP OUR CAPITAL COVERAGE.

WE'LL SHOW YOU A SPECIAL CEREMONY HELD IN THE SENATE LOUNGE ON MONDAY.

>> STATE YOUR NAME.

>> I THOMAS CALVIN WOODS.

>> DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR, THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES: AND THAT IS MAJOR REX ALANSTARR OF STILL WELL, ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF ENLISTMENT IN TO THE OKLAHOMA AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO SENATOR TOM WOODS FROM WESTVILLE, OKLAHOMA.

WOODS WILL BEGIN HIS MILITARY TRAINING DOWN IN TEXAS.

SO WE'RE LOOKING AT LEAVING OUT FOR SAN ANTONIO SOMEWHERE AROUND AUGUST 20TH AND BASIC TRAINING AND TECH SCHOOL.

I WILL BE BACK TO JANUARY 25TH.

SO MY SERVICE TO THE STATE WILL BE IN BETWEEN IF EVERYTHING GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN IN BETWEEN MY SESSIONS.

SO I'LL SERVE CONCURRENT LIKE A LOT OF CITIZEN SOLDIERS AND NATIONAL GUARDS MEN THAT BALANCE THEIR FULL- TIME JOBS WITH THE SERVICE TO THE STATE AND NATION.

>> WOODS WAS FIRST ELECTED TO THE OKLAHOMA SENATE IN 2022.

COULD THE LEGISLATE MATE THIRD PARTY EMERGE IN THE 2024 ELECTIONS AND WOULD IT IMPACT RED STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR AND DO REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATS IN OKLAHOMA CONSIDER IT A TREAT TO THEIR POWER.

>> THE ORGANIZATIONS MADE UP OF CITIZENS, REALLY, DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS AND INDEPENDENTS WHO ARE COMING TOGETHER TO CHALLENGE THE STATUESIO AND PUT THE COUNTRY ON A DIFFERENT PATH.

>> WE HAVE THREE RECOGNIZED PARTIES AND FOLKS CAN REGISTER AS UNAFFILIATED VOTERS.

OKLAHOMA ALREADY HAS A CHOICE.

I DON'T SEE THIS NEW OPTION AS VIABLE IN OKLAHOMA OR AS A CHANGE MAKER IN OKLAHOMA.

I THINK THAT FOLKS WHO ARE REGISTERS AS DEMOCRATS LIKE WHAT DEMOCRATS STAND FOR AND THIS NEW OPTION AS I UNDERSTAND IT, WILL NOT SWAY DEMOCRATS.

>> BUT YOU DO SEE INDEPENDENTS GROWING ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

THEY ARE AT 19% REGISTRATION.

IT WASN'T THAT WAY 20 YEARS AGO.

I THINK THERE'S SOME FRUSTRATION AT THE POLLS.

51 REPUBLICANS REGISTERED VOERS IN 2020, AND 59% OF THE TURN OUT AND INDEPENDENTS FELL BY NINE POINTS.

>> THE REST OF THAT CONVERSATION COMING UP IN A MINUTE.

>> DOWNING IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF UNINTENTIONAL DEATH AMONG CHILDREN 1- 4.

ENSA TEAMED UP WITH THE OKLAHOMA SWIM ACADEMY ON THURSDAY TO REPRESENT DEMONSTRATION TO SHOW WHAT CAN GO WRONG AND HOW TO PRERENT IT.

>> IT ATEAMED UP TO GIVE INSTRUCTIONS TO AVOID DISASTER IN POOL OR LAKE.

>> WE WANT THEM TO KNOW HOW TO FLOAT AND ROLL ON THERE BACK TO SAVE THEMSELVES.

OUR INSTRUCTORS GO THROUGH A VERY EXTENSIVE TRAINING BEFORE THEY ARE ABLE TO TEACH THIS ON THEIR OWN.

JULY AND AUGUST, THOSE ARE THE HIGHEST TIMES THAT DRAWNING HAPPEN.

NOT JUST BECAUSE OF POOL SEASON, BUT KIDS FIND WATER.

IT IS FUN AND HOT AND FEELS GOOD.

>> THIS LAST YEAR BETWEEN MAY OF END OF SENATE, ON >> YOU MAY JUST HAVE 30 SECONDS TO RESPOND TO HELP PRESTRENGTH A DROWNING.

>> OKLAHOMANS ARE GETTING A NEW WAY TO GET TO THE BIG EASY.

JASON DOYLE HAS THE DETAILS.

>> TULSA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS GETTING A DIRECT FLIGHT TO NEW ORLEANS THANKS TO BREEZE AIRWAYS.

IT WILL START ON SEPT 22ND WITH FLIGHTS ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS.

TRAVELING FOR TULSA TO NEW ORLEANS CAN STAY ON THE AIRCRAFT TO FLY THROUGH ORLANDO.

>> BREEZE IS OFFERING A DISCOUNTED RAT.

>> AND OKLAHOMA CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND BANCFIRST WILL PARTNER TO HELP WORKERS TO EASTERN MICRO CREDENTIALS.

>> IT HAS CURRICULUM TAILORED FOR INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS NEEDS.

MICRO CREDENTIALS EARNED CAN BE APPLIED TO BUSINESS ASSOCIATES DEGREES AS WELL.

THE AVERAGE RENT IN OKLAHOMA CITY HAS GROWN BY 4.6 PERCENT SINCE MAY OF LAST YEAR.

NOW IT GOES FOR $997.

>> AND THE NATIONAL AVERAGE IN MAY WAS 1739 A MONTH WHICH IS DOWN A HALF PERCENT COMPARED TO MAY 2022.

REALTOR.COM, SAID RENTAL RATES SHOULD DECLINE FROM 2022 LEVELS.

DESPITE THE INCREASE, OKLAHOMA CITY HAS ONE OF THE LOWEST RENTS OF THE 50 LARGEST CITIES IN THE U.S. STATE CHAMBER OF OKLAHOMA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS A NEW CHAIRMAN AND FOUR NEW MEMBERS.

HILLCREST HEALTH CARE SYSTEM KEVIN GROSS IS THE NEW CHAIRMAN.

HE'S ON BOARD WITH PUSHING MORE WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES TO INCREASE OVERALL SKILLS LEVELS OF EMPLOYEES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PRIVATE SECRETARIOR.

JOINING GROSS ON THE BOARD IS FOUNDER AND CEO OF PRAIRIE SURF MEDIA RACHAEL CANNON.

STEFANIA GROBER AND STEPHANIE REGAN.

JASON DOYLE, THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> THE URBAN LEAGUE OF OKLAHOMA CITY HOSTED EXPUNGEMENT EXPO LAST WEEKEND.

REPORTER JOEL FILOMENO WAS THERE AS VOLUNTEER ATTORNEYS OFFERED PROBONE O ADVISE ON NAVIGATING THE STATE'S COURT SYSTEM.

20 YEARS AGO, THE VETERAN WAS INVOLVED IN AN ALTERCATION WITH POLICE THAT RESULTED IN CRIMINAL CHARGES.

>> WHEN EVER YOU ARE RAISED IN THE INNER CITY AND HAD A BROTHER I BURIED IN THE AGE OF 17.

ANOTHER BROTHER FOUR YEARS IN PRISON.

>> DR. COLT MOVED ON WITH HIS LIFE.

HIS CRIMINAL RECORD MOVED WITH HIM.

>> NO MATTER WHAT I ACHIEVED, THERE WOULD BE SOMEONE WHO WOULD DEFINE ME BASED ON A SITUATION.

>> AND NEARLY NINE IN TEN.

EARS AND FOUR IN FIVE LAND LORDS USE BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR CRIMINAL RECORDS.

DR. KOHL KNOWS FIRSTHAND TO HAVING THEM EXPUNGED.

>> IT COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR CHILDREN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR PROSSPER.

>> IT IS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE ON YOUR OWN.

>> LAUREN LORENZO BANK SAID THEY STRUGGLE TO GET THE CRIMINAL RECORDS EXPUNGED.

>> THAT WILL BE AN INHIBITOR TO YOU MOVING FORWARD IN LIFE AND HAVING SUCCESS IN LIFE AND OTHERS WITHOUT CERTAIN THINGS ON THE BACKGROUND CHECK GET TO ENJOY.

>> 10% OF THE ELIGIBLE PEOPLE RECEIVED THE EXPUNGEMENT IN 2022.

>> THIS IS A MEETING OF CRITICAL NEEDS IN OUR STATE.

>> WITH THE URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY.

IT DOESN'T COST A LOT OF MONEY FOR OKLAHOMANS TO GET THE RECORDS EXPUNGED.

>> IT COST $7,000 TO GET THE EXPUNGEMENT AND WE KNOW THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO GET THE ATTORNEY TO NAVIGATE AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET IT GET IT DONE.

>> THEY PARTNERED WITH VENDORS TO HELP PEOPLE GET THEIR EXPUNGEMENT PROCESS STARTED.

>> WE HAVE VARIETIES ATTORNEYS IN OKLAHOMA COUNTY AND SOME OUTSIDE OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY THAT ARE COMING IN TO DO PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS BASED ON WHAT THE PARTICIPANTS HAVE DUN DONE.

>> IT FOCUSED ON OKLAHOMA COUNTY ONLY.

>> AND WE ARE LOOKING AT THE PACKETS AND ANALYZING WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE ABLE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT AND IF INDIVIDUALS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT AND IF IT IS FEASIBLE.

>> AND THE EXPO FEATURED BUSINESS AND SCOUTING FOR MUCH NEEDED EMPLOYEES.

>> EVEN IF YOU CAN'T GET EXPUNGEMENT THERE ARE SECOND CHANCE EMPLOYERS.

>> AND AFTER SERVING A SEVEN YEAR POSSESSION DRUG FELONY.

SHE WAS BURDENED BY LOOKING FOR WORK AND HOUSING.

>> I TOLD MY FAMILY HOW HARD IT IS.

I CAN'T GET A JOB BECAUSE OF THE FELONY.

I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT OFF MY RECORD.

>> WHY SHOULD IT BE SUCCESS TO THE HIGHER BIDDER.

MONEY OR LACK OF IT IS THE BIGGEST HURDLE.

>> MONEY SHOULD NOT INHIBIT PEOPLE TO ADVANCE IN A SOCIETY.

>> AND IT WAS A LOT OF THE WORK, CHECKING YOUR CASE AND FINDING OUT WHAT YOU HAD.

>> AFTER SERVING A FELONY SERVICE IN 1994.

IT WAS HARD TO RAISE IF YOU WENTEDS FOR EXPUNGEMENT.

>> ONCE YOU ARE DOING THAT, THAT IS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

MASON IS VOLUNTEERING BACK.

>> I AM HERE TO GIVE MY TESTIMONY AND GIVE MY INSIGHT AND LET PEOPLE KNOW AND ENCOURAGE THEM, IF YOU DO THE PROCESS, IT IS WORTH IT.

AND BEFORE CANDIDATES BRING RECORDS IN FOR EXPUNGEMENT, THEY MUST MEET REQUIREMENTS.

>> THERE ARE OVER 15 SPECIFIC REASONS WITHIN THE STATUTE AND EVEN ONE THAT IS WRITTEN IN CASE LAW.

>> FOR THE CRITERIA TO GET RECORDS EXPUNGED COULD BE 15 ITEMS AND MOST CANDIDATES HERE ONLY NEED TO MEET THREE OF THE FOUNDATIONAL QUALIFIATIONS.

>> ONE YOU HAVE TO GET THROUGH ALL OF YOUR SERVICE.

>> AND THE NEXT REQUIREMENT IS PAYING OFF COURT FINES AND FEES.

>> IT IS A MISDEMEANOR OR NONVIOLENT FELONY.

>> AND THEN AFTER THEY QUALIFY.

IT TAKES 30 TO 90 DAYS.

ATTENDING IT IS EXPUNGEMENT EXPO SHORTENS THAT PROCESS.

>> WE HAVE A MYRI AD OF VENDORS THAT ARE WAITING TO TALK TO INDIVIDUALS WHILE THEY ARE WAITING ON LAWYERS TO ANALYZE THEIR CASE.

DR. COLE CAN'T WAIT TO MOVE FORWARD.

>> I WILL HAVE MORE PARTNERSHIPS AND I CAN CONTRIBUTE IN GREATER CAPAC ITY.

>> AND ON THIS SATURDAY, HUNDREDS OF OTHERS FEELING THE SAME WAY.

>> THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE SINCE 3:00 A.M. AND I HAVE FAMILIES MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.

>> AND I KNOW WHERE THEY COME FROM.

>> JOEL, THANK YOU.

NO LABELS IS A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION CREATED IN 2010 TO APPEAL TO VOTERS AND PROMOTE BIPARTISSHIP.

COULD IT BE A FWOERS TO RECKON WITH IN THE 2024 ELECTION AND WHAT IMPACT IN THE RED STATE OF OKLAHOMA?

THAT IS THE TOPIC WITH THE TOPIC OF CONVERSATION WITH REESE WETZEL.

>> THANK YOU, RICH.

>> WE'LL EXAMINE THE POTENTIAL THIRD OPTION COMING UP AHEAD OF THE 2024 ELECTION SEASON.

JOINING US IS ALICIA ANDREWS.

CHAIRMAN.

DEMOCRAT PARTY.

CHAD ALEXANDER WITH THE REPUBLICAN CHAIR.

HOLLY PAGE CO-FOUNDER AND SENIOR ADVISOR FOR NO LABELS.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US.

>> HOLLY, I WANT TO START WITH YOU HERE.

DO YOU CONSIDER NO LABELS A POLITICAL PARTY OR IS IT DIFFERENT AND WHAT IS YOUR MISSION IN THE 2024 ELECTION?

>> IT IS NOT A POLITICAL PARTY.

IT IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

WE ARE AN ORGANIZATION MADE UP OF CITIZENS REALLY, DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS AND INDEPENDENTS WHO ARE COMING TOGETHER TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO AND PUT THE COUNTRY ON A DIFFERENT PATH.

IN TERMS OF 2024, WHAT NO LABELS IS DOING RIGHT NOW IS LAYING THE GROUND WORK TO OFFER THE AMERICAN VOTERS A POTENTIAL THIRD CHOICE.

YOUR LANGUAGE IS FOREVER.

WE ARE NOT A THIRD PARTY.

BUT A THIRD CHOICE IN 2024 SHOULD THE TRADITIONAL PARTY NOMINATE FOLKS WHO WANT A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE PAST.

>> HOLGY IS TALKING ABOUT A POTENTIAL THIRD CHOICE AND MAKING NO LABELS AN OPTION AND NOT A PARTY.

WHEN WE LOOK AT THAT, I WANT TO ASK YOU, IF A THIRD OPTION RUNS IN 2024, WILL THAT TAKE AWAY THE VOTES FROM THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATS?

>> OKLAHOMA ALREADY HAS THREE RECOGNIZED IN OKLAHOMA.

FOLKS CAN REGISTER AS UNAFFILIATED VOTERS.

OKLAHOMA ALREADY HAS A CHOICE.

I DON'T SEE THIS NEW OPTION AS VIABLE IN OKLAHOMA OR AS A CHANGE MAKER IN OKLAHOMA.

>> YOU THINK IT WOULD PERSUADE DEMOCRATS IF THEY ARE WANTING CHANGE AND MAYBE THE DEMOCRAT PARTY HAS NOT CHANGED AND THEY WANT THE CHANGES.

>> I THINK FOLKS WHO ARE REGISTERS AS DEMOCRATS LIKE WHAT IT STANDS FOR.

THIS NEW OPTION AS I UNDERSTAND IT AM NOT SWAY DEMOCRATS.

>> CHAD, HOW IS THE REPUBLICANS AND WE ARE IN A RED STATE.

>> I THINK YOU HAVE MAJOR ITY OF THE VOTERS AS REPUBLICAN.

I BUT YOU DO SEE INDEPENDENTS GROWING ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AND YOU CAN SEE 19% IN OKLAHOMA.

THAT WAS NOT THE WAY IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO.

I THINK THERE IS FRUSTRATION IN THE POLLS AND THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

51% OF THE REPUBLICANS REGISTERED IN 2020 AND 59% OF THE TURN OUT.

INDEPENDENTS FELL BY NINE POIFRNTS AND IF YOU HAVE THAT, IT IS HARD FOR A VIABLE DEMOCRAT OR THIRD PARTY TO WIN STATEWIDE.

>> AND OKAY, HOLLY, CHAD BRINGS UP GOOD POINTS.

IT IS HARD TO GET THE BALL ROLLING AND AMERICANS LOVE OPTIONS AND SO WHY IS THAT IN THE CASE?

>> SPEAK TO YOUR FRIENDS IN BOTH PARTIES.

THEY CREATE RULES THAT MAKE IT VERY HARD FOR YOU KNOW, INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVE LIKE WHAT NO LABELS ARE SUGGESTING TO HAPPEN.

WE ARE IN A EXTRAORDINARY TIME.

RIGHT?

AND SO IF 2024 OFFERS A CHOICE BETWEEN BIDEN AND TRUMP, THEY ARE PRETTY CLEAR IN POLL AFTER POLL, 70% OF THE REGISTERED VOTERS DO NOT WANT THAT CHOICE.

THEY WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

I WOULD SAY ALL BETS ARE OFF AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

OUR IDEA SHOULD BE A PATH TO VICTORY AND ONLY GO IF WE SEE A PATH TO VICTORY THAT WE WOULD OFFER A REPUBLICAN AND A DEMOCRAT RUNNING TOGETHER, COMMITTED TO THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY AND NOT IN THE INDIVIDUAL MRNLG PARTY AND CHALLENGING THE ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT ON BOTH SIDES.

PRETTY RADICAL.

>> HOLLY BRINGS UP GREAT POINTS HERE.

SHE TALKS ABOUT IF IT IS BIDEN AND TRUMP AGAIN, WHAT IS THE CASE FOR REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS?

WILL THEY BE TIRED OF THESE OPTIONS?

>> I SO, WE KNOW THAT BIDEN WILL BE OUR CHOICE.

BIDEN HAS BEEN SLOWLY METHODICALLY GETTING THE WORK DONE.

SO DEMOCRATS AND LEFT LEANING INDEPENDENTS ALREADY HAVE A CHOICE.

THIS OTHER OPTION, IF, IF FOLKS DON'T WANT TO BE A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN THEY CAN BE UNAFFILIATED CHAD.

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE?

>> I THINK IF YOU HAVE A BIDEN/TRUMP RACE, I SAID BEFORE.

60% OF THE AMERICANS PREFER ANOTHER CHOICE.

BUT WITH THE POLAR JAGZ IN THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW, THERE IS A THIRD CANDIDATE WHO WILL RUN ON WHAT THEY ARE RUNNING ON.

LEFT LEANING THAT WOULD PULL FROM JOE BIDEN.

RIGHT WING WILL PULL FROM THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE.

WE ARE REALLY EARLY IN THIS PROCESS.

PEOPLE DON'T START VOTING UNTIL NEXT YEAR.

IT IS A MARATHON AND NOT A INTRINT.

>> CURRENTLY THERE ARE 14 CANDIDATES THAT ARE RUNNING.

IS THAT DILUTING IN AND GIVING FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP AN AVENUE TO COME IN.

>> IT IS GIVEN HIM AN AVENUE IN THE PERCEPTION OF POLLING.

IN JUNE 2015 WHICH IS EQUIVALENT IN THIS PRIMARY PROCESS.

TRUMP HAD BEEN IN THREE WEEK AND JEB WAS POEFRLING AT 22.

BEN CARSON AT 13 AND TED CRUZ AT FOUR.

TRUMP WAS ONE.

IT WAS TRUMP AND CRUZ.

THE FIELD WILL NARROW AND ALL OF THESE PEOPLE WILL NOT BE IN THE RACE IN IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE AND AFTER IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SOUTH CAROLINA, YOU CAN SEE THE DROPOUTS.

IN 2020, WHEN BIDEN WON SOUTH CAROLINA IMMEDIATELY OF THE U.S.

SENATORS DROPOUT.

SO IT WILL NARROW.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR TRUMP WITH THE REPUBLICANS?

WELL, HE'S BEEN PRESIDENT, AND SO THOSE REPUBLICANS THAT ARE SPREAD OUT IN THE VARIOUS CANDIDATE ACCIDENT, HOW MANY OF THEM ARE LIKELY TO MOVE TO TRUMP AFTER HIM BEING THE FORMER PRESIDENT?

OR ARE WE DOWN TO A TWO-PERSON RACE AND CAN THAT PERSON WIN?

>> WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO THAT.

>> WE ARE A LONG WAY ON THE CALENDAR AND LONG WAY CONSIDERING WHAT THE FORMER PRESIDENT HAS IN FRONT OF HIM LEGALLY.

THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THERE WILL BE A BIG CHANGE WITH REGARD TO THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION REGARDLESS WITH THE OTHER CHOICE.

>> HOLLY, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD?

>> I AGREE WITH CHAD.

I GOT MY JOB WITH PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON'S FIRST PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN.

NO ONE THOUGHT HE COULD WIN.

ANYONE WHO WAS TELLING AMERICAN VOTERS THEY KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE MAKE UP OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS GOING TO BE IN 2024, NEED TO BE REMINDED ABOUT RECENT HISTORY.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

THAT IS WHY NO LABELS IS GETTING BALLOT ACCESS IN EVERYONE STATE IN THE NATION TO OFFER IT IS AMERICAN PEOPLE A THIRD CHOICE IS WE NEED IT.

>> YOU TALK ABOUT GETTING BALLOT ACCESS TO THE EVERY STATE.

ARE THEY HERE IN OKLAHOMA?

>> I AM NOT SURE WHAT OKLAHOMA'S RULES ARE.

I WILL CHECK ON THAT AND GET BACK TO YOU.

I KNOW EVERY STATE HAS A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU NEED TO SUBMIT YOUR SIGNATURORS AND VOTER REGISTRATION CARDS AND THEY MAKE IT TOUGH.

WE ARE IN PLAY IN EVERY STATE THAT CURRENTLY HAS THAT WINDOW OPEN.

18 IN TOTAL.

WE WILL BE ON IN ALL 50 SHOULD WE GO FORWARD.

>> AND I WANT TO STAY WITH YOU.

NO LABELS HAS BEEN AROUND IN 2010.

WHY IS IT GAINING TRACTION DOWN?

>> LISTEN, WE HAD OUR HEAD DOWN IN WASHINGTON D.C.

WORKING WITH MEN AND WOMEN IN THE HOUSE IN SENATE TO ENCOURAGE AND REWARD AND SUPPORT THEM FOR COMING TOGETHER, WORKING ACROSS THE AISLES AND SOLVING PROBLEMS.

UNTIL NO LABELS CAME ON THE SCENE, ALL OF THE INCENTIVES IN WASHINGTON REWARDED THE WRONG THING.

PARTISAN ALLEGIANCE AND EXTREMISM FRANKLY.

IN FACT, YOU OFTEN GOT PUNISHED AND NO LABELS STEPPED INTO THAT BREACH AND OFFERED SUPPORT FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE PROBLEM SOLVERS IN THE HOUSE AND ALLIES IN THE SENATE.

TOGETHER, THEY DID EXTRAORDINARY THINGS IN THE LAST CONGRESS INCLUDING PASSING THE HARD INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE CHIPS ACT AND THE ELECTORAL REFORM ACT AND THE GUN BILL SAFETY.

WE ARE DOING A LOT.

AMERICAN POLITICS IS DEFINED BY THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND WE SEE A POTENTIAL TRAIN WRECK IN 2020.

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OF OUR GREAT NATION OF OURS DESERVE SOMETHING BETTER.

>> AND SPEAKING TO EXTREMISM.

I WANT TO ASK IF IT IS GETTING TIRESOME FOR VOTERS & IS THAT GAINING POPULAR ITY.

>> I START WITH YOU.

THE AMERICAN PUBLIC IS EXHAUSTED BY THE EXTREMISM.

IT INFRINGES ON BOTHS SIDES.

BUT THE REAL ITY IS IN OKLAHOMA, THERE IS A STRING OF EXTREMISM ON ONE SIDE AND IT KIND OF FEELS LIKE THE OKLAHOMA REPUBLICANS LIKE THAT.

OKLAHOMA DEMOCRATS HAVE A PATH THAT SUPPORTS JOE BIDEN.

WE LIKE WHAT HE'S DOING.

THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAVE A BIG AFFECT.

>> CHAD.

>> IT IS INTERESTING TO ME IN THE 1990s, YOU WILL SEE 35% TURN OUT IN PRIMARIES.

IN 2020, YOU HAVE A 25% RUN OFF.

IN THE RUN OFF 15% VOTED AND YOU HAVE A NARROW DWROUP THAT ARE VOTERING IN THE PRIMARY PROCESS.

THAT WILL BRING US POLARIZING CANDIDATES.

WE'LL SEE KRIFRTEN CINEMA WOULD BE A UP FOR REELECTION AND NOW RUNNING AS AN INDEPENDENT DEPUTY SHE GETS IN THE RACE.

AS A MODERATE VOICE WHO LIKES TO WORK ACROSS THE AISLE.

THEY WILL TAKE THEIR SEAT IN ARIZONA.

IN A SWING STATE.

THAT WILL TELL US A LOT.

>> HOLLY, WE'LL TALK ABOUT SWING STATES, HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR NO LABELS TO GET IN THE SWING STATE AND WORK THEIR WAY IN THE AVENUE TO INSTALL THE THIRD OPTION?

>> AND WE HAVE A PATH TO VICTORY WE MAPPED OUT AND REMEMBER IN THE ELECTORIAL COLLEGE IN ALL TWO STATES TIS WIN OR TAKE ALL.

NO LABELS WOULD HAVE TO WIN 34% OF THE VOTE IN ANY GIVEN STATE.

WE ARE FOCUSING ON THE STATES THAT WE KNOW WE HAVE TO WIN THE WHITE HOUSE AND GIVING VOICE.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POINT.

WE ARE NOT CREATING THIS AT NO LABELS AS.

WE COULDN'T CREATE IT.

WE ARE GIVING THE VOICE TO IT.

AMERICAN PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE THE POLARIZATION AND CONVERSATION PITTED AGAINST EACH OTHER.

THEY DON'T WANT IT ANYMORE.

THEY WANT SOMETHING TO DO ABOUT IT AND NO LABEL OFFERED THAT CHANCE.

>> WE TALKED ABOUT FUND-RAISING AND PROBLEM BUSINESS THAT COME FROM THE THIRD OPTION AND CAN THAT TAKE MONEY AWAY FROM THE PARTIES IF NO LABELS SEEMS PREKWESHL.

>> I THINK IT IS DONOR BASES THAT WE HAVE NOW.

IT IS NOT THE MAJOR ITY OF OKLAHOMANS ARE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN THE SIDE THAT THIGH ARE DONATING TO.

IF FOLKS WANT ANOTHER CHOICE, AND I KEEP COMING BACK TO THIS.

THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF HANGING OUT IN THE UNAFFILIATED COLOUM OR LIBERTARIAN COLUMN.

I DON'T SEE NO LABEL AND IT IS AROUND SINCE 2020 AND NOT GAINED TRACTION IN OKLAHOMA.

I DON'T SEE IT AFFECT BEING THE FUND-RAISING FOR EITHER PART IN A WAY.

>> CHAD?

>> I TOTALLY AGREE.

THE PEOPLE WHO ARE FUNDING THE PARTY FOR THE REASON AND THEIR IDEOLOGY AND WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN.

WE HAVE NOT HAD A LEGITIMATE THIRD PARTY IN THE UNITED STATES.

REPUBLICANS BECAME A PARTY UNDER LINCOLN.

I DON'T KNOW WHY ACTUALLY IT IS THAT WAY.

THERE IS NO LAW TO HAVE TWO.

YOU LOOK AT EUROPEAN WITH MULTIPLE PARTY AND THEY DIVIDE.

BECAUSE WE ARE A MAJOR ITY.

IT SEEMS TO BE HARD FOR A THIRD PARTY TO BREAK THROUGH.

>> CAN I JUMP IN HERE?

[INAUDIBLE] WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE.

>> HOLLY?

>> FIRST OF ALL, I OBVIOUSLY DEFER TO ALICIAN AND CHAD KNOWING WAY MORE ABOUT OKLAHOMA THAN I COULD HOPE TO.

IN WANT TO ESTABLISH THAT.

BUT, YOU KNOW, WHAT THEY SAID IS THAT PEOPLE HAVE A CHOICE TO BE LIBERTARIAN OR REGISTERED INDEPENDENTS OR WHATEVER THAT IS IN YOUR STATE.

THAT IS NOT A CHOICE.

BECAUSE EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THROWS AWAY A VOTE.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT NO LABEL IT IS A DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN RUNNING TOGETHER, RIGHT?

YOU DON'T HAVE TO FORSAKE THE POLITICAL IDENTITY TO SUPPORT A NEW DIRECTION FOR THE COUNTRY.

I CHALLENGE THE DONORS WILL STAY.

HOPEFULLY A GOOD PERCENTAGE WHOSE NUMBER ONE INTEREST IS THE FUTURE OF THE NATION AND NOT EITHER POLITICAL PARTY.

BOTH NEEDS TO MODERNIZE AND GET NEW IDEAS AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE AND COMPETE FOR OUR 77 MILLION COMMON SENSE MAJOR ITY VOTERS.

WE ARE THERE FOR THE TAKING BUT THEY NEED TO SPEAK TO US.

>> YOU BROUGHT UP INDEPENDENTS IS SEEN AS THROWING AWAY A VOTE.

NO LABELS IS VOTING FOR A INDEPENDENT.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE THERE.

>> IT IS NOT.

IT IS MADE UP OF DEMOCRAT AND REPUBLICAN.

IT IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT WE HAVE SEEN.

EXTRAORDINARY TIMES CALL FOR EXTRAORDINARY IDEAS.

UNIQUE INNOVATIONS THAT ISSAST THE CORE OF THE AMERICAN SPIRIT.

WE SEE A PROBLEM AND FIGURE OUT A WAY TO SOLVE IT.

THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.

WE TALKED TO PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND EXPLAIN WHAT WE ARE DOING.

INVITE FOLKS TO COME AND ENGAGE.

WE HAVE ZOOM PROGRAMMING AND PEOPLE CAN ASK THE QUESTIONS THEY WANT.

THE BOTTOM LINE, ONCE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.

NOT A THIRD PARTY, A CHOICE TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO.

THE RESPONSE WE GET IS THANK GOD.

THAT'S WHAT WE HEAR EVERY DAY.

>> AND ARE THE WELL.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE.

WE ARE UNFORTUNATELY OUT OF TIME.

ALICIAN ANDERS, AND CHAD ALEXANDER IN OKLAHOMA AND HOLLY PAGE.

CO-FOUNDER WITH NO LAVENLT THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> REALLY, REALLY GOOD CONVERSATION.

IN THIS WEEKS NATIONAL VIEW.

HEADING TO THE HISTORIC MINING DOWN OF BISBEE, ARIZONA.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE MUHEIM HOUSE.

OUR FRIENDS INTRODUCED US TO A LIKEABLE GHOST THAT FELL IN LOVE WITH THE HOUSE THAT BORE BUILT.

♪♪ ♪♪ >> MY NAME IS MIKE COSTCO AND I WAS BORN IN RAISED HERE IN BISBEE AND WENT TO ASU, AND GOT A DEGREE IN TEACHING AND CAME BACK AND THOUGHT I WOULD LEAVE AFTER THREE YEAR AND THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

I ENDED UP IN THE SYSTEM FOR 55.

MARRIED MY WIFE AND SHE BECAME INTERESTED IN THE HOME.

♪♪ MY WIFE IS IN CHARGE OF THE MUHEIM HOUSE AND I GOT STARTED WITH THIS.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE HOUSE 15 YEARS AGO.

I AM IN CHARGE AND HOST TODAY.

THE HOUSE WAS OWNED BY JO ACCEPT AND KARMA LITTA BEFORE MUHEIM.

THEY GOT MARRIED IN 1890.

THEY HAD A HOUSE BUILT AND TOOK 15 YEARS AND THE REASON FOR THAT WAS, THEY HAD THE CONTRACTOR, HE LIKED TO DRINK HIS BEER, AND HE'D GET PAID AND NOT COME BACK FOR A WHILE.

1915 WAS WHEN THE HOUSE WAS FINALLY FINISHED.

IT STARTED WITH THREE ROOMS.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE IS A LOT OF FURNITURE AND PICTURES THAT MIGHT BE, THAT HAVE BEEN DONATED BY FRIENDS OF THE MUHEIMS.

OF THE MUSEUM.

THIS IS THE WAY WE GOT SOME OF THE FURNITURE.

WHEN YOU GO INTO THE DINING ROOM, YOU WILL SEE A COMPLETE SET OF CHINA FROM THE FAMILY.

YOU WILL ALSO SEE A FEW OTHER THINGS AND MAYBE AFTER WHILE, WE CAN SEE ONE OF THE AMAZING FEATURES THAT IS UNIQUE TO THE AREA, YOU JUST DON'T SEE ANYMORE.

[LAUGHTER] BUT MAIN STREET COME UP THE GULL VL AND WE ARE SITTING ON THE TOP OF THE HILL.

WE OVERLOOK REALLY THE TOWN OF BISBEE, THE HOUSE LOOKS RIGHT HERE.

AND I WOULD SAY OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.

WHAT WE HAVE HERE, IS WHAT WE CALL THE WINE ROOM.

JOSEPH MUHEIM SET UP LIKE A BREWERY TYPE THING FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL WINE AND WE HAVE HIS ORIGINAL RECIPE.

HE WAS BORN IN SWITZERLAND AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES IN SEARCH OF TWO UNCLE AND FOUND OUT THEY WERE HERE IN BISBEE.

HE MADE HIS WAY DOWN HERE, WENT TO WORK FOR THEM, IN A BREWERY THAT THEY AND TWO YEARS, HE BECAME OWNER OF THE BREWERY AND BECAME ONE OF THE RICHEST MEN IN BISBEE.

♪♪ HERE WE ARE, YOU AM SEE A HOUSE SITTING ON TOP OF THE HILL.

THERE IS ALWAYS AN AMERICAN FLAG FLYING.

AND YOU LOOK UP.

THERE IT IS.

AND WE HAVE STEPS TO COME UP AND YOU CAN ALSO COME UP YOUNG BLOOD HILL.

YOU CAN DRIVE HERE, WE HAVE PARKING.

BUT IT'S A TREK IF YOU LIKE TO HIKE AND EXPLORE, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE.

I WOULD BE MORE HAPPY TO HELP ANYBODY OUT.

IF YOU CALL ME, I WILL COME AND GET YOU.

♪♪ ♪♪ >> ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, OUR YEAR LONG SERIES OF REPORTS ON THE OKLAHOMA HISTORIC TOWNS AND HOME OF THE FAMOUS BLACK RODEO HELD ON MEMORIAL DAY EACH WEEKEND AND A HOMECOMING EVENT THAT TURNS THE QUIET CITY IN BISBEE COUNTY IN A BUSY TOURIST ATTRACTION.

>> IT BRINGS FAMILY HOME AND THERE IS EXCITEMENT IN THE AIR, WHEN YOU ARE HERE EVERY DAY, YOU GET USED TO THE CALMNESS THAT COMES WITH THE CITY.

SO THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE EXCITEMENT OF PEOPLE COMING HOME, AND EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE RODEO AND DOWNTOWN.

AND SO, YEAH.

>> THE BULLYING RODEO IS ONE OF THE LONGEST RUNNING HISTORICAL BLACK RODEOS THERE IS AND BLACK COWBOYS COMPETE ALL OVER THE WORLD.

THEY USED TO NOT GO AND RUN THESE OTHER CIRCUITS THAT WERE OUT THERE.

SO IT WAS ON THEIRICAL ENDAR AND THEY WOULD COME HERE TO COMPETE AND THAT DREW THE BIG CROWDS.

EVERYBODY CAME TO SEE IF YOU ARE COMPETING IN THE RODEOS, YOU WILL COME TO BOLEY.

>> AND JASON REPORTS OF BOLEY, OKLAHOMA, NEXT FRIDAY AT 7:00 P.M. WE'LL LOOK AT CANINE SUMMER OLYMPICS AND PHOTOGRAPHED AND EDITED BY THE OETA.

YOU CAN ACCESS THE WEBSITE AT OETA.O.E.T.A.TV.

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AND SEARCHING OETA.

JUST SEARCH THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

FOR ALL OF US WHO PLAY A ROLE IN PUTTING THE NEWSCST ON THE AIR.

I AM RICH LENZ MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEEKEND.

♪♪