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>>> HELLO EVERYONE, AND WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

DESPITE AVAILABLE TO MORE OKLAHOMAENS THAN BEFORE, COVID-19 VACCINATION RATES ARE CONTINUING TO SLOW DOWN HERE.

ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS WHERE VACCINE HESITANCY IS SLOWED DOWN.

ABOUT 32% OF OUR STATE'S POPULATION, AND STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE TRYING NEW WAYS TO GET VACCINES INTO HARD TO REACH PARTS OF THE STATE.

>> FOR THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA.

>> LARGER CITIES AND COUNTIES LIKE TULSA AND OKLAHOMA COUNTY HAVE THEIR OWN HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS LARGE DISTRICTS IN RURAL PARTS OF THE STATE.

>> OUR COUNTIES ARE VERY RURAL, SOME WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND GO TO CATO, AND THERE'S MULTIPLE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND THE COUNTY IS HUGE.

>> COVID-19 VACCINE UPTAKE IS DIFFERENT FROM COUNTY TO COUNTY.

INTERESTS VARYING FROM DIFFERENT ZIP CODES AND ACROSS TIME.

>> THE RESPONSE IS GOOD ESPECIALLY THE 65 AND OLDER POPULATION.

WE'VE HAD A REALLY GOOD RESPONSE.

WE WERE GIVEN FROM 5,000 TO 9,000 SHOTS A WEEK SINCE GIVING THE VAEPS.

IT'S DROPPED OFF SINCE THEN.

>> URBAN AMERICA IS ON AVERAGE 7% FURTHER ALONG IN VACCINATIONS.

PART OF THE ISSUE, IS -- IS MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED.

>> WE KNOW THE RURAL RESIDENTS ARE JUST AS IF NOT MORE LIKELY TO HAVE CHRONIC HEALTH CARE CONDITIONS.

YOU WANT TO PROTECT ALL THOSE PEOPLE, AND YOU DON'T KNOW YOU'LL BE ONE OF THESE NEXT YEAR.

YOU WANT TO GET VACCINATED.

>> THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES.

HE SAYS THE PATH FORWARD FOR OKLAHOMA AND THE REST OF THE NATION IS FLEXIBILITY.

>> I GO TO THE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, HERE'S 1,000 DOSES, THEY HAVE STORAGE FACILITIES AND YOU GET TO RURAL PARTS OF OKLAHOMA AND SMALLER PARTS OF OF SUBURBAN AND PIECES OF THE UNITED STATES, WE'RE NOT GOING TO SEND 1100 DEEP FROZEN DOSES OUT THERE.

WE NEED TO GET PEOPLE WITH MORE FLEXIBLE.

>> IT IS MORE ACHIEVABLE WITH VACCINES OFFERED TO YOUNGER PEOPLE.

>> MORE ADULTS ARE BECOMING VACCINATED, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS ARE MAKING UP THE -- LAST WEEK, 24% OF THE DIAGNOSED CASES NATIONALLY.

>> CHILDREN ARE GENERALLY MORE RESILIENT TO THE VIRUS, 127 HAVE DIED OF COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS IN THE LAST YEAR.

MAKING SAFETIED THE MOST IMPORTANT BUT NOT THE ONLY INCENTIVE FOR GETTING VACCINATED.

>> NOW A FULLY VACCINATED ADOLESCENT, AND THEY'RE EXPOSED, THEY'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE TO QUARANTINE.

THAT'S A HUGE INCENTIVE FOR KIDS TO GET VACCINATED, AND ALSO FOR COACHES TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO CONSIDER GETTING THEIR TEENS VACCINATED.

LAST YEAR, THE QUARANTINING AND CONTACT TRACING WAS VERY DISRUPTIVE.

WE DON'T WANT THAT NEXT YEAR.

>> SIMILAR TO LOCAL CLINICS DISTRIBUTED FLU SHOTS TO SCHOOLS IN THE PAST, THERE'LL BE PLENTY OF COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS AT SCHOOLS.

THE VACCINES ARE TESTED, CONSTANTLY MONITORED AND SAFE.

>> THE CLINICAL TRIAL DATA SHOWS THE PFIZER VACCINE WAS 100% EFTH AT PREVENTING COVID-19 IN ADOLESCENTS.

>> THE MODEL OF BRINGING VACCINES TO SCHOOL TO CHILDREN IS ALSO EFFECTIVE -- THE CLINICS, ADDS AN UNNECESSARY LEVEL OF INCONVENIENCE.

>> WE HAVE TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR EMPLOYERS.

I WOULD URGE THEM FOR THE LONG TERM STABLE AND PRUVENTHTY OF THE -- PRODUCTIVITY OF THE WORK FORCE, LET THE PEOPLE HAVE TIME, TAKE TIME OFF TO GET VACCINATED.

I TALKED TO A MAINTENANCE PERSON, THAT SAYS I WORK 8 TO 5, AND THE CLINICS ARE NOT OPEN AFTER THAT, AND WE HAVE FOUR CHILDREN, AND I CAN'T DRAG THEM AROUND FOR THE VACCINATIONS.

>> TO MEET THE NEED, OKLAHOMA IS SHIFTING FROM POD SITES, TO SMALLER, WALK UP EVENT.

>> THE VACCINATION EVENTS AROUND WHAT IS CONVENIENT FOR THEM.

WE'RE TRYING TO TAILOR IT SO THERE'S NO EXCUSE IF THEY WANT A VACCINE, AND THEY CAN'T GET IT, THEY CAN GET IT AT ANY POINT AND TIME.

WE WANT TO MAKE EVERYONE TRIP OVER US AND SAY NO BEFORE THEY SEEK US OUT TO SAY YES.

WE'RE AT -- WE'RE AT HOMELESS SHELTERS, FARMERS MARKETS, EVERY SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT'LL ALLOW US TO COME.

PRETTY MUCH EVERYWHERE WE CAN THINK OF.

THE FESTIVALS, THE RATTLESNAKE DERBIES AND THE FUN STUFF.

ANYWHERE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED, WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE SURE THE VACCINE IS AVAILABLE.

>> THESE WALK UP MODELS MAY BE THE NORM IN MORE URBAN AREAS AS WELL.

>> THANKS.

>>> DESPITE THE COVID-19 CASES HAVE -- TO CLOSE RETURN TO AT HOME LEARNING FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK OF THEIR YEAR.

AVERAGE OF 171 NEW CASES A DAY LAST WEEK TO 131 THIS WEEK.

AND WE'VE HAD 38 DEATHS IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS, BRINGING THAT TOTAL TO 8,399.

>>> AND WHETHER YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BATTLED THE VIRUS IN THE LAST YEAR, ALL AMERICANS HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH THE ADDITIONAL STRESS OF THE PANDEMIC.

IT SHOWS U.S.

SAW A 27% INCREASE OF DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS IN 2020, AND A THREEFOLD INCREASE OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.

IT'S WORTH NOTING THE INCREASE TREND OF DEATHS DUE TO -- IS NOT AS DRAMATIC IN OKLAHOMA.

>> THERE'S ENCOURAGING NEWS THERE, IF YOU LOOK AT THE DATA FOR DRUCKERS ALCOHOL AND SUICIDE, YOU HAVE IMPROVED IN CERTAIN AREAS.

THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, ANY LIFE LOST TO DRUG ALCOHOL AND SUICIDE IS A LIFE WE COULD HAVE SAVED.

THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA LIKE MANY STATES HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL.

>> OKLAHOMA HAS MADE SOME GOOD STEPS IN ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

INCLUDING GIVING FIRST RESPONDERS TRAINING.

>>> COMPARED TO MANY STATES, THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA -- THAT GENERATED $831 MILLION IN GROSS REVENUE IN 2020, AND MORE THAN $56 MILLION IN TAX REHABILITATION.

THE NEW LAW ATTEMPTS TO ANSWER THIS SIMPLE QUESTION, WHO EXACTLY OWNS AND OPERATES THE FOORMZ FOR THE PRODUCT?

-- FARMS FOR THE PRODUCT?

>> RECENT INVESTIGATIONS BY THE OKLAHOMA BUREAU OF NARCOTICS TURNED UP BLACK MARKET MARIJUANA -- USING THE GUISE OF THE PROGRAM.

FOREIGN MONEY MIGHT BE BEHIND SOME OF THE OPERATIONS.

>> AFTER YOU WATCH THE NEWS, A LOT OF BUS RIDES WITH THE NARCOTICS AND THE FBI, AND DIFFERENT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

IT'S BIG ON TRYING TO ADDRESS THE FOREIGN ENTITIES.

WE HAVE FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS NOT IN OKLAHOMA BUT OPERATING WITH LICENSE IN OKLAHOMA.

>> REPRESENTATIVE WEST WORKED WITH THE OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CRAFT THE LANGUAGE THAT REQUIRES LICENSED CANNABIS BUSINESSES TO DISCLOSE FOREIGN INVESTMENT.

>> IT REQUIRES THEM TO REPORT IF THEY'RE FINANCIALLY BACKED BY A FOREIGN ENTITY UNDER PERJURY.

IF THEY DON'T THEY COULD BE CHARGED WITH PERJURY AND LOSE THEIR LICENSE.

>> MERELY HAVING A DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP IS FAR LESS THREATENING TO ANY BUSINESS.

I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH COMPLIANCE THERE'LL BE WITH IT.

>> THE IDEA BEHIND IT, IS THE CONCERNS WITH REGARDS TO FOREIGN OWNERSHIP, CHINESE OWNERSHIP, I'M NOT SURE BEYOND THAT.

THE STORIES I HEAR IS ASIANS.

>> POINTS OUT THAT MANY LEGISLATURES ARE HEARING CONCERNS FROM THE CONSTITUENT OF WHAT MAY BE HAPPENING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

>> THEY'RE DISCUSSING THE PROBLEMS THEY'RE ENCOUNTERING IN THE DISTRICTS.

>> ONE GENTLEMAN CALLED ME FROM OSAGE COUNTY, AND SAYS, I'M 65 YEARS OLD, I'M RETIRED.

>> HE CONFIRMS HIS CONSTITUENT WAS CONTACTED BY A FOREIGN COUNTRY.

>> I'LL PAY YOU $300,000 CASH IF YOU KEEP THE LICENSE IN YOUR NAME, AND ALLOW US TO OPERATE THE BUSINESS.

>> THEY DON'T LIMIT THEMSELVES TO GROW OPERATIONS EITHER.

>> WE'VE HAD A FEW GROUPS COME THROUGH, WE ENJOY BEING AN OKLAHOMA GROUP FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED.

OFFERS LIKE THAT IS OF NO INTEREST TO US, BUT IT'S BECOMING COMMON PLACE.

>> IT'S ALMOST A SMART MOVE AND PRUDENT, A GROUP CAME IN FROM OUT OF THE COUNTRY, OPENED MULTIPLE OPERATIONS HERE AND THEN HAD THE PRODUCT GOING OUT OF THE STATE.

WE'VE JUST SEEN THAT HAPPEN.

I THINK IT WOULD BE A BENEFIT FOR OUR MARKET AND THE SAFETY SURROUNDING IT.

>> FOREIGN INVESTORS AND THE BLACK MARKET ARE CREATING FAIR COMPETITION ISSUES FOR LEGITIMATE CANNABIS BUSINESSES.

>> IT'S DIFFICULT TO COMPETE AGAINST OTHER BUSINESSES, BUT ALSO WITH THE BLACK MARKET.

>> THEY'RE COMING IN AND PAYING CASH MONEY FOR THIS.

AND BUY 50 TO 1,000 ACRES.

THAT'S HARD FOR THE AVERAGE FARMER OUT THERE TO COMPETE.

>> THE INDUSTRY ITSELF COULD HELP PROTECT THE -- BY PROVIDING THE INFORMATION OF THE ORIGINS OF THE PRODUCT THEY'RE SELLING.

>> THE MORE INFORMATION THE BETTER THEY'LL BE.

AND THE LESS HIDDEN THINGS ARE.

THE MORE IN THE SUNLIGHT.

>> THE ORGANIZATION IS CREATING A TYPE OF CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR GROWERS AND DISPENSARIES TO ALSO PROVIDE -- TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC OF A SAFE PRODUCT.

>> THERE'S INTEREST OF A FEW GROUPS TO DO IT.

HAVING THIRD PARTIES COME IN AND SAY, HERE'S OUR CHECK LIST OF WHAT WE REGARD AS GOD PRACTICES.

-- GOOD PRACTICES.

THAT'S A REALLY GREAT NEXT STEP FOR THE STATE.

>> HOUSE BILL DID GET ITS DAY ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>> IT REQUIRES EXISTING BUSINESSES AND BUSINESSES MOVING FORWARD TO REPORT UNDER PERJURY IF THEY'RE FINANCED BY FOREIGN ENTITY.

>> AND SENT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

>> A MAJORITY VOTE, THE BILL HAS PASSED.

>> SIGNING THE BILL INTO LAW EARLIER THIS WEEK.

>> THANKS.

AND IT ALSO REQUIRES TO PERFORM ON SITE INSPECTION OF CANNABIS BUSINESSES EVERY SIX MONTHS.

>>> THE FIRST SESSION OF THE 58TH LEGISLATURE IS EXPECTED TO ADJOURN ONE WEEK FROM TODAY.

THE HEAVY LIFT BEHIND THEM, THIS WEEK THE LAWMAKERS ADDRESSED THE REMAINING ISSUES FACING THEM.

WITH MORE ON THAT, WE'RE JOINED BY SEAN ASHLEY.

>> WE'VE SEEN MOVEMENT ON LEGISLATION WITH THE CONTRACTS WITH MEDICAID, WHAT'S GOING ON THERE?

>> SENATOR -- AND REPRESENTATIVE HAVE BEEN CRITICAL SINCE LAST OCTOBER OF THE OKLAHOMA HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY AND GOVERNOR'S PLAN TO USE PRIVATE COMPANIES IN THE MEDICARE SYSTEM, VARIOUS PIECES OF LEGISLATION WERE FILED REGARDING THE ISSUE.

THIS WEEK, A PIECE OF LEGISLATION PASSED WHICH SENATOR MCCOURTY SAID PUT GUARDRAILS IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE THE PROGRAM OPERATED PROPERLY.

THEY WOULD PROTECT PROVIDERS, TO ENSURE PAYMENTS IN A TIMELY PATTERN.

>> A NEW FUND TO PAY FOR LAWYERS IN -- WHAT DO WE KNOW OF THE FUND THUS FAR?

>> THIS IS A SPECIAL FUND TO RECEIVE $10 MILLION FOR THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO USE FOR LITIGATION.

IT COULD INCLUDE FILING LAWSUITS, DEFENDING LAWSUITS, AND INTERVENES IN OTHER LAWSUITS.

ONE OF THE CONCERN AMONG LAWMAKERS IS THE BILL ITSELF IS NOT APPEAR TO LIMIT ITSELF SPECIFICALLY TO MC-- CASES.

IT'LL BE OVERSEEN BY A JOINT COMMITTEE TO MAKE THE DECISION ON THE HIRING OF LAW FIRMS AND THE EXPENSES.

>>> THE TAX CREDIT COULD BE INCREASED WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THAT LEGISLATION?

>> SENATED BILL 1080, INCREASES THE CAP ON THAT PROGRAM FROM $5 MILLION CUREMENT CURRENTLY -- CURRENTLY UP TO 50 MILLION.

A TAX CREDIT FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO DONATE TO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS, AND THOSE WHO DONATE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THIS INCREASES IT, BUT THIS IS THE MONEY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE APPROPRIATED TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE APPROPRIATION SYSTEM.

>> AND SIGNED A LAW CLARIFIES WHICH STATE AGENCY IN REGULATING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT, WHAT GETS THAT JOB.

>> THE OKLAHOMA AERONAUTICS COMMISSION.

THE AGENCY IS POSSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STATE GOVERNMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, ON POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL AS SEEKING FUNDING IN PARTICULARLY GRANTS THAT COULD BE USED FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS INVOLVING THE AIRCRAFT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

GREAT INFORMATION.

>> YOU'RE VERY WELCOME.

>>> ABOUT 90,000 OKLAHOMAENS RECEIVING $300 A WEEK FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL LOSE THAT BEGINNING JUNE 26.

TO DATE, 21 STATES HAVE ELECTED TO END THE PAYMENTS.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR IS ALSO INSTRUCTING THE OKLAHOMA SECURITY COMMISSION THE FUNDS TO CREATE A ONE TIME, $1,200 BACK TO WORK INCENTIVE.

TO QUAFF -- QUALIFY, TO WORK AT LEAST 32 HOURS A WEEK.

>> OUR CHALLENGE IS NOT TO GET BUSINESSES BACK OPEN.

WE'VE DONE THAT.

IT'S GETTING EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, ONE OF THE FACTORS CAUSING THIS IS THE CONTINUED EXTENSION OF EXTRA FEDERAL BENEFITS.

JOB OPENINGS ARE AT THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL IN THE HISTORY OF OUR STATE.

IN APRIL ALONE, 68,000 NEW JOB POSTINGS ONLINE ALONE.

>> THE INCENTIVE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THE FIRST 20,000 WORKERS LEAVING THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE.

THEY HAVE TO PROVIDE SIX WEEKS OF PAY STUBS.

>>> RETAINING LAW FIRM WILL INITIALLY COST $45,000, BUT THE LEGISLATION COULD BE PASSED TO OPEN THE DOOR TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESCINDING THE SETTLEMENT VOTE.

>>> ON TUESDAY, THREE OKLAHOMA POLICE OFFICERS WERE AWARDED THE OKLAHOMA PURPLE HEART.

ONE POSTHUMOUSLY.

>> TUESDAY AFTERNOON IN THE SECOND FLOOR BLUE ROOM OF THE NEWLY REFURBISHED STATE CAPITOL, GOVERNOR HANDED OUT AWARDS THE FIRST EVER OF THEIR KIND.

>> WE ALL SLEEP UNDER A BLANKET OF FREEDOM, COURTESY OF THE 1% OF THIS COUNTRY THAT SUITS UP EVERY DAY, WILLING TO DEFEND AND PAY THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THE OTHER 99%.

IN OKLAHOMA, WE RECOGNIZE THAT 1%.

>> ON JUNE 29, 2020, TULSA POLICE OFFICER JOHNSON PAID THAT PRICE.

JOHNSON AND FELLOW OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO PULL OVER CAREER CRITICAL WARE.

THE POLICE SAY WARE FATALLY SHOT OFFICER JOHNSON AND THE OTHER IN THE HEAD.

HE WAS STILL ABLE TO PROVIDE VITAL INFORMATION TO RESPONDING OFFICERS.

TULSA PROSECUTORS INTEND TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY FOR WARE.

TUESDAY, SERGEANT JOHNSON'S WIDOW AND OFFICER RECEIVED OKLAHOMA'S INAUGURAL PURPLE HEARTS.

>> WE STILL OPERATE AND GET ALONG, IT'S DIFFICULT BECAUSE WE'RE MISSING ONE.

>> IN OKLAHOMA CITY LAST NOVEMBER 11, A SLEW OF OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE OFFICERS ENGAGED IN A CHASE AND A GUN BATTLE WITH 37-YEAR-OLD MURDER SUSPECT BRANDON MILL BURN.

IT ENDED NEAR DOWNTOWN WITH MILLBURN DEAD.

AND OFFICER TOOK A BULLET TO THE CHEST.

THE CHEST PROTECTION WE WAS WEARING IS A BIG REASON HE'S STILL WALKING AROUND TODAY.

>> A GREAT REMINDER OF WHY YOU NEED A POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THIS IS A SUSPECT THAT KILLED TWO PEOPLE IN THE PREVIOUS 24 HOURS, AND SEEMED HE WILL BENT ON ADDING TO THE NUMBER.

>> AND THEN NAVY AND ARMY NATIONAL GUARD VETERAN.

>> IT'S A LONG STORY BUT HAPPENED QUICKLY.

>> HE WAS AT HOME ON THE COUCH WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND.

WHEN HIS ELDERLY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR BANGED ON HIS FRONT DOOR.

SHE TOLD HIM A FORMER RENTER HAS BROKEN BACK IN.

MINUTES LATER THAT MAN, OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE IDENTIFIED AS 43-YEAR-OLD AUSTIN WILLIAMS.

CAME STROLLING THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR, AND HAD GRABBED A KNIFE.

>> THE OTHER ONE CARVING AWAY AT HER THROAT.

IMMEDIATELY I YELLED, VERY VERY LOUDLY, HEY, AND RAN OVER THERE TO PUSH HIM OFF OF HER.

>> YES HE DID SPLIT IT.

SEE THE SCAR?

HE CUT IT THE ONE END TO THE OTHER.

HE WAS GOING TO KEL ME IF IT WASN'T FOR PETE.

AND I'M SO THANKFUL.

>> THE ASSAULT VICTIM WOULD RATHER NOT BE IDENTIFIED.

SHE CALLS HIM PETE.

>> PUNCHES WERE THROWN, AND OF COURSE, MY HAND GOT CUT, MY ARMS GOT CUT, AND ONCE THIS STAB WOUND HAPPENED ON MY NECK, SOMETHING INSIDE OF ME SAID, HE'LL NO.

WITH ALL MY STRENGTH I SHOVED HIM BACK OFF OF ME.

>> THE ONLY TOOL HE HAD TO FIGHT OFF THE ATTACKER WAS THIS FLIP-FLOP.

HE PULLED OFF OF HIS LEFT FOOTED.

>> THIS HAS A SPOT OF BLOOD ON IT.

>> HE HAD A FLIP-FLOP, THAT TOOK SOME COURAGE.

>> HE WAS GOING FOR YOUR EYE.

AND FOR YOUR NECK.

HE WAS TRYING TO KILL YOU.

>> YEAH.

AT THIS POINT, IT WAS STRAIGHT -- YOU'RE FIGHTING FOR YOUR LIFE.

>> AUSTIN WILLIAMS REMAINS IN THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY JAIL.

>> MY PROPS TO THE POLICE OFFICERS, THEY WERE READY TO FIND HIM AND THERE AGGRESSIVELY, THEY WERE THERE READY TO GO.

>> THE WOMAN WHO HE SAVED AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO WATCH HIM RECEIVE THE MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD WERE AT THE TUESDAY'S CEREMONY.

>> THE REALITY IS HE DID WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE.

HE SAW AN AT ONE POINT TO DEFEND SOMEONE.

>> I'M SO PROUD OF HIM, HE MAKES ME A PROUD MOTHER AND I LOVE HIM EVEN MORE.

HE'S IN HEAVEN.

IF HE COULD SEE HIM, HE COULD BE SO PROUD.

>> HE'S WATCHING.

>> HE'S AN AMAZING YOUNG MAN.

HE'S COME A LONG WAY, TO GIVE HIS LIFE FOR SOMEONE ELSE, NOT EVERYONE WOULD DO IT.

I'M PROUD OF HIM.

>>> ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF SEVERAL COMPANIES.

WE HAVE THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>>> THE OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS UPHELD THE JUDGEMENT FOR THE DEATH OF A MAN DUE TO EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS.

THE PRODUCTS USED BY THE STEP FATHER ON OIL RIG SITES CONTAINED THE ASBESTOS, AND THE EMPLOYEES WERE NOT GIVEN A WARNING OF THE DANGERS.

>> THE FLY ASH IS USED IN MATERIALS FOR OIL AND GAS PRODUCTS.

>>> THE CHEROKEE NATION BROKERED A DEAL WITH TULSA BASED FRANCIS ENERGY TO INSTALL FAST CHARGERS FOR THE BUSES.

THEY USE TWO BUSES TO TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES AND PEOPLE TO WORK, THE OTHER IS AN ELECTRIC BUS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL, THE FAST CHARGERS ARE INSTALLED IN THE CHEROKEE NATION.

SOME OF THE FRESH PRODUCE YOU BUY AT THE GROCERY STORE, COULD HAVE BEEN DELIVERED BY AN AUTOMATIC TRUCK.

IT PICKED UP A LOAD IN ARIZONA, AND DELIVERED IT -- IF A HUMAN WAS DRIVING THAT LOAD, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN 24 HOURS, THE AUTOMATIC TRUCK DID IT IN 14 HOURS.

>>> OKLAHOMA CITY BASED -- EMERGED FROM THE BANKRUPTCY WITH A NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

>>> THANK YOU.

THE PROBLEM OF URBAN AND FOOD DESERTS IS ADDRESSED IN OKLAHOMA CITY AND TULSA.

A NEW 30,000 SQUARE FOOT HOMELAND STORE IN UNDERCONSTRUCTION IN NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA CITY.

IT'LL HAVE A FULL SERVICE BAKERY, AND FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

THE 16,000 SQUARE FOOT STORE WAS FUNDED THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTHORITY.

A GRANT AND SEVERAL FOUNDATIONS.

BOTH WILL HELP LOW INCOME FAMILIES WHO ARE LIMITED ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS.

>>> THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TULSA2021.ORG.

AND THEY'LL GO FAST.

>> JOHN LEGEND AND THE OTHERS THAT COME HERE ARE SUPPORTIVE OF NOT ONLY WHAT WE DO, TO SUPPORT THE FACT THAT THIS HISTORIC PLACE STILL HAS MORE WORK TO DO.

WE OUGHT TO BE WILLING AT SOME POINT SIT DOWN AND HAVE THE HARD CONVERSATIONS AROUND RACE, RECONCILIATION, AND THERE'S NEVER BEEN ANY REPARATION.

>> STATE SENATOR CHAIRS THE COMMISSION, WHICH HAS PUN INTENDED HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK AND PUT TOGETHER THIS HISTORIC EVENT.

THE GATES WILL OPEN AT NOON ON MEMORIAL DAY.

THE FORMAL PROGRAM BEGINNING AT 4 P.M.. LEGEND IS JOINED ON STAGE BY OTHER NATIONAL LEADERS.

WE KNOW INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.

>> WE HAVE INVITED ALL FROM THE PRESIDENT TO OTHER CELEBRITIES WE HAVE SPOKEN TO.

WE'RE NOT CLEAR YET, WHETHER OR NOT SOME OF THE TOP PEOPLE WILL ATTEND.

>> IT'LL BE TELEVISED AND SHOULD BRING THE STORY OF GREENLAND TO MANY PEOPLE.

>> THE BIGGEST ROLE IS FOR PEOPLE TO LRN ABOUT THIS HUNDRED YEAR SECRET.

IT WAS CALLED TULSA'S DIR AT THE SECRET, TO LEARN OF OUR HISTORY IN THE STATE.

>> SENATOR MATTHEWS HOPES THE MOMENTUM CREATED REPRESENTS A TRUE NEW BEGINNING, AND NOT SIMPLY A ONE TIME COMMEMORATION.

>> I SEE THIS AS A TEACHING MOMENT AND I HOPE IT LEADS TO A HEALING MOMENT.

WE'RE NOT THERE YET THE.

-- YET.

I WANT TO THANK OUR TEAM AND THOSE SUPPORTED US, BECAUSE IT IS HARD WORK.

IF IT WASN'T, SOMEONE ELSE WOULD HAVE DONE IT BY NOW.

>> SENATOR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>>> THE CENTENNIAL WILL BRING THOUSANDS, MANY COMING THROUGH THE AIRPORT, WHERE THEY'LL BE GREETED BY A NEW ART WORK.

>> WE'RE WORKING ON A MURAL THAT WELCOMES VISITORS, LOCALS ALIKE TO NOT ONLY THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, BUT TULSA.

I'M SUPER SUPER GRATEFUL FOR ALEXANDER O'NEIL, WE WORKED ON A COUPLE OF MURALS TOGETHER.

PRETTY LARGE ONES.

I'M REALLY EXCITED.

I HAVE ART ALL THROUGHOUT TULSA, ESPECIALLY DOWNTOWN AND NORTH TULSA.

BUT THIS IS REALLY REALLY EXCITING, ESPECIALLY AS THE CENTENNIAL OF THE 1921 RACE MASSACRE APPROACHES, WE'LL HAVE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE VISITING TULSA BETWEEN THE 31ST OF THE MONTH ALL THE WAY UP TO JUNETEENTH.

THERE'S AN ART CALL, WITH MYSELF AND SOME 28, 2 OTHER ARTISTS ALL PUT OUR NAME IN A HAT, AND I SOMEHOW LUCKED OUT.

I RECEIVED POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND HERE WE ARE.

THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT NEEDED TO EMPHASIZE THE NEW BRANDING FOR THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, AND NEEDED TO BE EYE CATCHING AND VISUALLY INTERESTING, AND MANY MY CASE, REALLY COLORFUL.

A LOT OF NOSTALGIA FROM MY OWN BACKGROUND, DIRECTED ME TO A QUILT SORT OF PIECE.

WE'RE USING INTERIOR PAINT WITH FRE HANDED ON THE WALL WITH BRUSHES.

WE'LL ADD TEXT THAT SAYS OKLAHOMA WELCOMES YOU.

>> ALSO PASSING THROUGH THE TULSA AIRPORT, HUNDREDS OF THE WORLD'S BEST CONDITION OF ATHLETES OF MEN AND WOMEN, TRAVELING HERE TO COMPETE IN THE IRON MAN COMPETITION ON MAY 23.

THIS IS THE IRON MAN VILLAGE ON THE OKLAHOMA STATE CAMPUS.

THEY'LL RUN DOWN ROUTE 66, AND BIKE THROUGH -- AND SWIM TWO AND A HALF MILES OF KEYSTONE LAKE.

>> IT'S A PERFECT SCENARIO, AND CHECKS A LOT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOXES FOR US, AND AN EXTREME WORLD CLASS SPORTING EVENT.

RARELY GET THE TWO COMBINED.

THESE ARE PEOPLE WITH THEIR OWN COMPANIES, OWN NETWORK AND THE VERY PEOPLE WE'RE TRYING TO ATTRACT TO TULSA.

THEY HAVE 2.5 MILLION FOLLOWERS, AND THEY STREAM THIS SUMMED WE'RE ALL OVER THE WORLD WATCHING THE IRON MAN.

>> THIS CHAMPIONSHIP WILL AWARD 75 QUALIFYING SPOTS TO THE 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THAT TAKES PLACE EACH YEAR IN HAWAII.

>>> THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BOB DYLAN CENTER IN DOWNTOWN IS SET FOR MAY 10, 2022.

IT'LL HAVE MORE THAN 1,000 ITEMS FROM THE ARCHIVES.

THE DISPLAY OF ORIGINAL LYRICS, INSTRUMENTS, FILM AND CLOTHING.

>>> A FEW WEEKS AGO, WE DISCUSSED THE FUTURE OF OIL AND GAS WITH OKLAHOMA LEADERS.

WE INVITED A PANEL, THERE'S NO QUESTION THAT THE GREEN ENERGY INDUSTRY IS CONTINUING TO GROW IN OKLAHOMA.

HERE'S MODERATOR SUSAN CADOT AND HER GUESTS.

>> THANK YOU, OUR GUESTS ARE HERE TO TALK ABOUT OKLAHOMA AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

FIRST OF ALL, INTRODUCE OKLAHOMA SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT THAT'S KENNETH WAGNER.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> AND JOHNSON BRIDGEWATER, THE CHAPTER DIRECTOR FOR THE OKLAHOMA CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TODAY.

>> GREAT TO BE HERE.

>> FIRST OF ALL, I'LL START WITH YOU, SECRETARY, TELL US WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR OFFICE.

>> THE TOP POLICY ADVISER ON ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS TO THE GOVERNOR, AND I OVERSEE ABOUT 30 AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FOR THE GOVERNOR, THAT INCLUDES AGENCIES LIKE THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EQUALITY.

THE RESOURCES BOARD, THE COMMISSIONER, THE LAND OFFICE.

>> I AM THE DIRECTOR OF THE OKLAHOMA CHAPTER, I MANAGE AN ORGANIZATION OF 4,400 OKLAHOMAENS, AND I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT OUR JOB IS TO LISTEN TO PEOPLE HERE IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, AND HELP THEM FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE OKLAHOMA CLEANER, GREENER AND SAFER FOR THEMSELVES AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.

>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU FOR THAT.

I'LL GO AHEAD AND DIVE RIGHT IN.

>> I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'VE SEEN IMPACT YET, WE KNOW THAT MONEY IS FLOWING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STATE GOVERNMENT, THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA ALREADY HAS A VERY VIGOROUS RESEARCH PROGRAM IN RENEWABLES IN MAJOR UNIVERSITIES.

WE'RE THIRD IN THE NATION, AND EXPERIENCED NEW TECHNOLOGY, THAT'S THE NATION'S FIRST COMPANY TO FOCUS ON RECYCLING.

I CAN'T SAY THAT BIDEN'S JOBS PLAN HAS STARTED MAKING AN IMPACT, WE DO KNOW THE BIG FOCUS OF IT IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO ADVANCE RENEWABLE EFFICIENCY.

>> IT'S EASY TO FORGET WE'RE A FEW MONTHS INTO THIS PRESIDENCY.

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING WHAT ARE YOU ANTICIPATING?

>> WITH THE NEW ADMINISTRATOR AND HIS TOP -- AND AT THE WHITE HOUSE AS WELL.

WE'RE FOCUSED ON TRYING TO FIND THE AREAS THAT WE AGREE, AND MECHANIC WITH THE SHARED PRIORITIES WORK FORUS COOPERATIVELY.

AND JOHNSON MENTIONED, OKLAHOMA HAS A ROBUST PORTFOLIO OVER RENEWABLE.

AS A RESULT OF OUR UNIQUE ENERGY MIX, WE'VE BEEN REALLY, REALLY STRONG AT REDUCING OUR CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS, AND THE CRITERIA UNDER THE AIR QUALITY STANDARDS.

NEARLY THREE TIMES THE NATIONAL STANDARD.

>> IS THAT TRUE ARE WE DOING A BETTER JOB THAN MANY THINK?

>> OFF TO A FANTASTIC START, THANKS TO UNBELIEVABLY VIBRANT WIND ENERGY IN OUR STATE.

WE HAD AN AMAZING DECADE, BUT WE BELIEVE WE HAVE FALLEN OFF PACE WITH THE CONTRIBUTOR, AND A HUGE IMPACT OF THAT IS THE SOLAR ENERGY.

THAT'S REALLY WHERE OUR FOCUS IS RIGHT NOW.

TRYING TO ADD THAT BIG PIECE.

THAT WE CAN COMPLETELY TRANSFORM OUR ENERGY MARKETS HERE IN ARIZONA TO INCLUDE ALL FORMS OF RENEWABLES.

>> YOU SAY THE STATE FLOUNDERED, HOW SO?

>> IN 2014, THERE WAS BAD LEGISLATION THAT DROVE THE LARGE SCALE SOLAR INDUSTRY AWAY FROM OKLAHOMA.

THE PAST THREE SESSIONS, THERE'S A NUMBER OF PIECES OF LEGISLATION TO ADVANCE THE SOLAR ENERGY IN OUR STATE, AND NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THE PIECE OF LEGISLATION HAS RECEIVED A READING IN THE COMMITTEE HEARING.

THAT'S WHERE WE PUT OUR FOCUS.

WE WANT OUR LEGISLATURE AND OUR EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT TO FULLY EMBRACE SOLAR AND GET IT UP AND RUNNING AS QUECKLY AS POSSIBLE.

>> WHAT ARE THE EFFORTS RIGHT NOW IF WE'RE SO GREAT WITH WIND ENERGY, WHAT'S THE HOLD UP WITH SOLAR ENERGY?

>> THIS IS WHERE REASONABLE LINES CAN DISAGREE.

I RESPECT JOHNSON AND HIS PASSION FOR THIS SUBJECT MATTER.

THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER, THE REASON OKLAHOMA HAS NOT HAD AN UPTICK IN SOLAR ENERGY IS SOLELY PRICE.

WE'RE SEEING THE PRICE COME COUNTY AND BE COMPETITIVE WITH WIND AND NATURAL GAS, AND SO AS THAT HAPPENS, YOU'RE SEEING MORE LARGE SCALE UTILITY SCALE, SOLAR, AS WELL AS WHAT I WOULD CALL COMMUNITY SOLAR IN THE QUEUE.

THE OKLAHOMA ACADEMY DID A TOWN HALL IN 2019, AS MUCH AS PEOPLE WANTED TO STAY WITH POLICY, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE REAL REASON THAT SOLAR HAS NOT HAD A BIGGER IMPACT, IT COSTS MORE AND CAUSE ENERGY PRICES IN OKLAHOMA TO RISE.

OKLAHOMA HAS NINE OF THE LAST -- THE LOWEST COST OF ELECTRICITY ACROSS ALL SECTORS IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND SO WE HAVE TAKEN THE APPROACH THAT WE DON'T WANT TO INCENTIVIZE OR PENALIZE ANYONE WHO WANTS TO USE A PARTICULAR ENERGY SOURCE OR FUEL SOURCE AND THAT INCLUDES SOLAR.

I'M -- THAT SOLAR WILL GROW QUICKLY NOW.

IT FITS THE PROFILE BETTER.

WE USE THE MOST POWER WHEN THE SUN IS AT THE BRIGHTEST AND HEAT AT THE HIGHEST.

I'M HOPING IT WILL CATCH ON QUICKLY.

>> DIRECTOR, MORE EXPENSIVE, WHY?

>> LIKE ANY TECHNOLOGY THE LESS IT'S USED THE MORE EXPENSIVE IT'LL BE.

THE LAST NUMBER I SAW, SOLAR DROPPED 92% IN PRICING, IN THE LAST 20 YEARS.

THE NUMBERS THAT I'M SEEING NOW IF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ARE THAT SOLAR WILL ACTUALLY BE CHEAPER THAN NATURAL GAS, THAT'S THE FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY BENCHMARK IN ABOUT TEN YEARS.

THE DYNAMICS HAVE CHANGED RADICALLY, AND ALTHOUGH SOLAR AND NATURAL GAS ARE NOT EQUAL RIGHT NOW.

SOLAR WILL BE CHEAPER IN A NUMBER OF YEARS.

>> AND SHIFT GEARS TO THE OIL AND GAS ENERGY.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE NOURISHING THE INDUSTRY IN OKLAHOMA AND TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

>> THAT'S A GOOD ONE AND EASY ONE.

NATURAL GAS HAS DONE MORE FOR EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS IN TANGIBLE MEASURABLE EMISSION REDUCTION THAN ANY OTHER TECHNOLOGY.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO COME TO THAT AND SAY, THIS IS DIRTY OIL AND GAS.

NATURAL GAS HAS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE.

WE HAVE REDUCED OUR CARBON DIOXIDE SINCE 2005.

THE OTHER PART IS NATURAL GAS.

COMPARED TO COAL IS ABOUT 70% LESS CARBON, AND 99% LESS ON THE SULFUR DIOXIDE.

NATURAL GAS DOESN'T GET ITS DUE, BUT WE MANAGE THAT.

COMPANIES IN OKLAHOMA, HAVE REALLY HAD TO EMBRACE THIS GREEN HOUSE GAS REPORTING, AND A LOT OF THE METHANE REGS.

>> THE BIGGER ISSUE THAT'S NOT BROUGHT UP SO FAR IN THIS DISCUSSION, EVERYTHING THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, TIES BACK TO ONE FACT.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS ALREADY OCCURRING, ALREADY SEEING DRASTIC IMPACTS FROM OUR STATES TO THE UNITED STATES TO THE WORLD.

IF WE DON'T GET AHEAD OF EMISSIONS, CLIMATE CHANGE -- METHANE IS ONE OF THE MOST POTENT DRIVERS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

WE HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO CAPTURE EVERY SINGLE MOLECULE WE CAN OF METHANE SIMPLY FOR THE SAKE OF OUR CHILDREN AND AVOIDING WORSENING.

WE CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON A DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE.

ALLOWING METHANE TO CONTINUE LEAKING IN THE ATMOSPHERE IS EXACERBATING A CLIMATE THAT'S UNFOLDING.

>> $35 MILLION WAS SET ASIDE FOR AN ADVANCED AGENCY, TO REDUCE METHANE AND THEY'VE USED THE TERM AFFORDABLE TESTS.

THERE'S AN EFFORT TO HELP THE SMALL DEVELOPERS.

AND DO YOU THINK THERE'LL ALWAYS BE FOSSIL FUEL FOR NOT JUST FUEL FOR ELECTRICITY AND GAS FOR CARS AND VEHICLES, BUT TO MAKE PRODUCTS THAT PEOPLE USE EVERY DAY.

>> RIGHT THE USE OF FOSSIL FUELS IN LIMITED PRODUCTS, I CAN'T SAY THAT WE'LL COMPLETELY ERADICATE THE FOSSIL FUELS FROM OUR REALITY, BUT I CAN SAY IS WE NOW HAVE ENERGY SOURCES THAT ARE CLEANER, SAFER, SOME OF THEM ARE ALREADY LESS EXPENSIVE AND THE BIGGER ONES WILL BE LESS EXPENSIVE UNIT BY UNIT WITHIN A DECADE.

WE HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SLOW CLIMATE CHANGE.

ENERGY IS NOT FOSSIL FUELS.

ENERGY IS THE ABLE TO DO WORK.

WE ONCE HARVESTED WHALES, AND FOREST.

THING CHANGE.

OUR SECOND BIG ISSUE ON THIS, THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, THEY DO HAVE THE WORK FORCE THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.

HOW CAN WE RETRAIN WORKERS.

IT'LL ESCALATE OVER TIME AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR CITIZENS ARE PREPARED FOR THAT.

>> ALL RIGHT, MR. SECRETARY, YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT WE JUST HEARD.

>> HIS IDEA -- KEEP IN MIND THAT RENEWABLES DO ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY.

THEY ELECTROFY.

THEY PUT POWER ON THE GRID.

THEY DON'T POWER VEHICLES EXCEPT FOR THE SMALL NUMBER OF -- ON THE GRID, REGULATORY CURVES AND PARAMETERS -- PEOPLE NEED TO USE THE FUELS WILL CONTINUE LONG PAST PEOPLE'S IDEA.

AND THE DIRECTOR IS CORRECT IN THAT WE'VE SEEN CONSUMERS REALLY SPEAK.

THAT'S WHY YOU'VE SEEN THE INVESTMENT.

ALL AMERICANS AND MOST OKLAHOMAENS WANT TO SEE CLEANER ENERGY AND SAFER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

THAT'S REALITY.

I DON'T THINK YOU CAN MAKE THE TRANSITION AS QUICK AS PEOPLE THINK.

SO, THE TRANSITION TO -- IS MUCH SLOWER, EVEN THOUGH NEW CARS ARE DEFINITIVELY MOVED IN THAT DIRECTION.

I'M EXCITED ABOUT A LOT OF THE NEW THINGS THAT ARE COMING OUT.

WE DO SEE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES LIKE HYDROGEN THAT CAN BE USED FOR THE MAKING OF STEEL OR THE OTHER TECHNOLOGIES THAT ARE OUT THERE.

YOU'LL SEE THE DEMAND FOR FOSSIL FUEL GROW OVER THE NEXT 30, 40 YEARS.

WHEN THEY GET THE AT ONE POINT FOR CHEAP ENERGY THEY GRAB IT.

AND SEE THE BENEFITS LIKE REFRIGERATED FOOD.

IF WE CAN GET BATTERY AND SOLAR ON THE GRID, I THINK OKLAHOMA'S ENERGY MIX WILL LEAD THE COUNTRY.

>> DIRECTOR YOUR FINAL THOUGHTS.

>> THE OKLAHOMA SIERRA CLUB IS MADE UP AS OKLAHOMAENS IN ALL 77 COUNTIES.

OUR JOB IS BASICALLY TO ENSURE OUR CHILDREN AND OUR GRANDCHILDREN HAVE THE CLEANEST, SAFEST PLACE TO LIVE AND GROW UP.

>> WONDERFUL, GENTLEMEN, I CAN'T THANK YOU BOTH ENOUGH FOR TAKING PART IN THIS IMPORTANT DISCUSSION, HOPE TO HAVE YOU BACK AGAIN SOON, THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO DISCUSS, THANK YOU TO BOTH OF YOU.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>>> SUSAN AND GUESTS THANK YOU.

>>> IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, WHEN YOU THINK OF GIRL SCOUTS, THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND IS THIN MINTS.

BUT THE COOKIES ARE A WAYS TO AN END.

IN OKLAHOMA CITY, THE GRAND OPENING OF THE CAMP, BACK IN SEPTEMBER WITH A FOCUS ON STEM LEARNING.

AND IN ADDITION TO LEARNING ABOUT MATH AND SCIENCE, THE CAMP EMPHASIZES COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING.

WE TRAVEL TO LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, WHERE PRODUCER SHOWS US HOW ONE GIRL SCOUT TROUPE HELPS WITH HOMELESSNESS IN THAT COMMUNITY.

>> WE HAVE 13 SHIRTS NOW, HOW MANY ARE WE TRYING TO MAKE?

>> I'M PAINTING ART, I THINK IT WILL PUT A SMILE ON SOMEONE'S FACE, AND HELP THEM REMEMBER THEY'RE WORTH IT, AND THEY'RE FINE IN THIS WORLD, EVEN IF THEY'RE GOING THROUGH HARD TIMES, THAT TIME WILL CHANGE SOMETIME.

>> OUR GIRL SCOUT TROUPE DECIDED TO EARN THEIR BRONZE AWARD, THAT'S THE HIGHEST AWARD A JUNIOR TROUPE CAN EARN AND TO EARN IT, THEY HAVE TO DO A SERVICE PROJECT.

THEY PICK A PROBLEM AND FIND SOME SOLUTIONS TO IT.

OUR TROUPE DECIDED THAT WE WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

>> DECIDED TO MAKE BAGS THAT WE'LL HAND OUT TO PEOPLE IN NEED OR PROVIDE TO A SHELTER WITH COVID-19 IT'S A BIT MORE DIFFICULT TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO THAT, BUT OUR PLAN IS TO GET THE BAGS FULL OF HELPFUL SUPPLIES TO PEOPLE IN NEED.

WE'RE COLLECTING THINGS LIKE TOOTHBRUSHES AND HAND LOTION AND DEODORANT, SOCKS, AND SNACKS AND LITTLE WATER BOTTLES, SO THIS COULD BE A MINI CARE PACKAGE.

WE'RE TARGETING 50 BAGS, AND WE CAN MAKE MORE.

BUT IT SEEMED REASONABLE THAT EACH GIRL MAKES TEN BAGS, THAT'S OUR PLAN.

WE STARTED THIS PROJECT IN FEBRUARY.

AND WE ARE TRYING TO FINISH IT AND DELIVER BAGS IN MAY.

THEY'RE PAINTING WHATEVER THEY THINK IS INSPIRATIONAL TO THOSE IN NEED.

>> I FEEL WHEN WE DO THIS, IT CAN HELP SOMEONE.

BECAUSE PEOPLE FEEL LIKE GIVING UP.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT OF WORK AND POTENTIALLY EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

IT WAS A GREAT WAY TO HELP PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN THE PAST.

AND TO HELP THOSE WHAT HAVE EXPERIENCED IT PRIOR TO COVID-19.

THIS WAS THE GIRL'S IDEA.

THEY'RE LEARNING RESPONSIBILITY, HOW TO DO DIFFERENT SKILLS.

AND THEY'RE LEARNING IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO HELP PEOPLE.

AND THEY WERE THE ONES THAT WANTED TO DO THAT, THEY ALREADY KNEW HOW IMPORTANT THAT WAS, AND IT REINFORCES THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING KIND AND HELPING PEOPLE, THAT'S BEEN ONE OF THE BIGGEST BENEFITS OF THIS PROJECT.

>>> ON THE ONE HOUR EDITION OF THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, THE 58TH LEGISLATURE WILL RECAP THE MOST IMPORTANT NEW LEGISLATION THAT'S SOON THE LAW OF THE LAND IN OKLAHOMA.

AND HOW IT'LL AFFECT YOU.

>>> AND WE'LL SAY GOOD-BYE FOR NOW WITH A VISIT TO THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO.

FOR ALL OF US HERE IN THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY AND STAY TUNED TO OETA.

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