.

>>> RAMPED UP SUMMER LEARNING WILL BE THE FIRST, CRITICAL COMPONENT IN THE EDUCATION PLAN.

>> IT'S A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER, AND WE'LL HAVE A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER AS WELL.

>> HOW THE SUPREME COURT'S RULING IS IMPACTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TRIBES ON ROAD PROJECTS.

>> MANY PROJECTS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED WITH OUR TRIBAL PARTNERS.

>>> TORN FROM TORNADO RUBBLE, THIS LUCKY DOG IS SAVED AND NOW AN EXPERT AT SAVING OTHERS.

>> I STARTED WORKING WITH HIM, AND IT BECAME CLEAR THAT I HAD A DOG WITH GREAT POTENTIAL FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE WORK ON MY HANDS.

>> THE GENEROUS GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING.

>>> OUT OF THE 13, WE THINK WE'LL GET 9 OR 10 BABIES OUT OF THIS BUNCH.

>>> HOLLYWOOD ON THE PLANES, THE HUSKERS RETURNS TO THE 1920'S TO HOST A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE.

>> IT SOUNDS LIKE IT PUTS YOU OUT, BUT IT'S BEST FOR THE TOWN.

>> THOSE STORIES AND IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION ON MINORITY HEALTH DISPARITY NEXT ON OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

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

DECLARING COVID-19 IS NO LONGER AN EMERGENCY THIS WEEK, GOVERNOR RESCINDED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER HOE CENTER LINED 2020.

-- HE SIGNED IN 2020.

HOSPITALIZATIONS ARE DOWN 90%, AND NOW IS THE TIME FOR OKLAHOMAENS TO GET THEIR SUMMERS BACK.

WILL THAT BE THE CASE FOR STUDENTS?

ON MONDAY, THE READY TOGETHER OKLAHOMA ACTION PLAN AND THE FIRST CRITICAL COMPONENT OF IT, IS MULTIFACETTED SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS.

>> THE CEO FOR THE REGIONAL BANK OF OKLAHOMA.

>> SURROUNDED BY FELLOW SUPERINTENDENTS AROUND THE STATE, AND TRIBAL LEADERS, STATE SUPERINTENDENT IS TAKING THE FIRST OF WHAT SHE SAYS WILL BE SEVERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS TO ASSESS THE CHALLENGES OF FIXING WHAT WAS BROKEN BY COVID-19.

>> WE BELIEVE THE WORST IS BEHIND US, THE PANDEMIC, WE WILL FACE THE GREATEST -- IN EDUCATION IN MODERN HISTORICAL, THAT LIES AHEAD OF US.

WE WANT TO FOCUS ON UNFINISHED LEARNING.

WE NEED TO GET BACK ON TRACK, AND WE SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY DISCONNECTED DUE TO THE QUARANTINING AND ALL KINDS OF UNEXPECTED TURBULENCE AND DISRUPTION.

>> SHE SAYS A MINIMUM OF $14 MILLION WILL BE IN EXPANDED PROGRAMS, WITH THE -- 90% OF THE MONEY.

>> IT'LL ALLOW WORKING PARENTS TO DROP OFF AND PICK UP THEIR STUDENTS, THEY'LL BE SAFE AND TAUGHT BY PEOPLE WE KNOW AND LOVE FROM THE SCHOOLS.

OUR PLAN IS TO INCLUDE ACTIVITIES INVOLVING STEM, ART, MUSIC, HEALTH, FITNESS AND MAYBE CRAFTS FOR THE SAKE OF ENJOYMENT.

THIS IS A TIME TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

>> OKLAHOMA'S PUBLIC SCHOOL AWARDED $1.5 BILLION IN THE MOST RECENT STIMULUS.

WITH THE MANDATE OF 20% OF THAT TO ADDRESS LEARNING LOSS AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS.

>> THE SINGLE BEST THINGS THE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES CAN DO TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE EMERGE S TO BUILD AND STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS, FOSTER ENGAGEMENT WITH ADULTS, AND PEERS, AND FOCUS ON HEALING.

>> TO FACILITATE THAT, THEY'RE GIVING $6 MILLION TO THE OKLAHOMA ALLIANCE OF BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB AND OF YMCA'S.

>> WHEN YOU INVEST IN THE CAPACITY OF YOUTH SERVING ORGANIZATIONS THAT WRAP AROUND THE WHOLE CHILD AND SERVE THEM ALL THE HOURS THEY'RE NOT IN SCHOOL, THAT MAKES A LASTING IMPACT ON THE CHILD, THE FAMILY AND THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

AND THIS INVESTMENT WILL REALLY DO THAT.

>> GO IN MORE DETAIL.

>> THE GOAL THIS SUMMER IS TO LEARN BACK SOME OF WHAT WAS LOST ACADEMICALLY, PARTICULARLY IN MATH.

>> MATH FOCUS IS ONE OF THE EARLY INDICATIONS FROM OUR BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT THAT IS THE DISTRICTS ARE USING TELL US WEE NEED MORE FOCUS THERE FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

WE'RE NOT RECOMMENDING WHOLE GRADE LEVELS HELD BACK, ALL OF THE NATION IS GOING FLU WHAT WE'VE ALL -- THROUGH WHAT WE'VE ENDURED.

>> IN OKLAHOMA CITY, SUPERINTENDENT IS UTILIZING THE CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES TO BOLSTER HIS SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS.

>> HOST AN INVITE ONLY INPERSON SUMMER ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT WITH ENGLISH, LANGUAGE ARTS AND MATH.

>> OUR FOCUS IS RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE RIGOR.

>> HE'S ALREADY SEEING IMPROVEMENT.

>> RECENTLY THE PRELIMINARY DATA, FROM TWO TESTS FROM THE FALL AND AGAIN IN THE SPRING.

WE SAW GAINS.

GAINS OF AN AVERAGE OF TWO POINTS IN THE COMPOSITE SCORES OF THE KIDS.

IT WAS AMAZING.

>> AFTER ARGUABLY THE MOST DIFFICULT YEAR ANY OF US HAVE HAD OR WILL HAVE IN THIS PROFESSION, WE STILL HAVE EDUCATORS WHO ARE BRINGING THE A GAME EVERY DAY.

PARENTS AND OTHER CAREGIVERS WHO ARE RESILIENT, PATIENT WITH US.

KIDS AS YOU HEARD ARE EAGER NOT TO GET ON ZOOM NECESSARILY ANYMORE, BUT TO GET BACK INTO SCHOOL, IN THE SETTING WHERE SAFETY IS PROVIDED.

WHERE PEOPLE CARE ABOUT THEM.

>> IT'S A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEARNING THAT'LL TAKE MORE THAN A SINGLE SUMMER TO BEAR FRUIT.

BUT IT'S AN IMPORTANT AND WELL FUNDED STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> WE HAVE CHILDREN WITH FOOD INSECURITY, AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DISCONNECTIONS, THOSE THAT NEED EXTRA INTERVENTION IN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, AND THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN BEHIND OR UNFINISHED LEARNING ACADEMICALLY.

ALL OF THAT IS A HEAVY LIFT.

WE'LL POUR OUR HEARTS AND SOULS INTO THIS.

OUR FAMILIES ARE EAGER FOR THE KIDS TO GET BACK TO NORMAL AND SO ARE THE STUDENTS OF OKLAHOMA.

WE ALL WANTS THAT.

AND WE CAN SEE THAT ON THE HORIZON.

AND THIS SUMMER, BEGINS THAT OPPORTUNITY.

>> THE ADDITIONAL GRANT MONEY FOR OUT OF SCHOOL LEARNING IS UNVEILED IN THE COMING WEEKS.

>>> THE COVID-19 NUMBERS CONTINUE TO DECREASE AND IMPROVE.

THE ROLLING SEVEN DAY AVERAGE CASES PER DAY, IS -- HOSPITALIZATIONS DROPPING SLIGHTLY TO 190 THIS WEEK AND THE SEVEN DAY DEATH TOLL IS 64, THAT NUMBER HAS INCREASED SLIGHTLY FROM A WEEK AGO.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VACCINATED IS DECREASING.

AS OF WEDNESDAY, MORE THAN A MILLION OKLAHOMAENS HAVE COMPLETED THE VACCINATIONS.

2.7 MILLION DOSES HAVE BEEN ADMINISTERED.

>>> IN 2016, THERE WAS ONE LATINO IN THE OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE.

TODAY THERE'S FOUR.

IT'S THE HOPE THAT NUMBER WILL CONTINUE TO GROW.

ON WEDNESDAY, THE CAUCUS WAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED TO PROMOTE AND EXPLAIN THE LATINO ISSUE TO ALL OKLAHOMAENS.

>> LATINOS ARE THE FASTEST GROWING GROUP IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

SEVERAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS OVER HALF OF THE STUDENTS ARE LATINO INCLUDING OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

>> NOT MANY TEACHERS THAT LOOK LIKE ME, OR ELECTED LEADERS THAT LOOK LIKE ME, SO THIS CONCEPT OF BEING A LATINO KID THAT CAN DO THIS JOB IS VERY FOREIGN TO ME.

I HOPE WITH THE LAUNCH OF THIS CAUCUS, THERE'S KIDS THAT CAN SAY, THIS IS BEYOND MY GRASP, THIS IS SOMETHING I CAN DO.

>> WITH MORE OF WHAT TRANSPIRED THIS WEEK, HERE'S SEAN ASHLEY.

CAPITOL SECURITY IS RAISED THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS AND WILL REMAIN SO IN THE SESSION.

>> THIS REALLY AFFECTS THE HOUSE SIDE OF THE STATE CAPITOL.

A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, TWO INCIDENTS OF APPLAUSE IN THE GALLERY ONE DAY AND THE VISITORS HAD TO BE CALMED DOWN AND THE SECOND DAY, PROTESTS THAT DISRUPTED THE DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

AS A RESULT, THE SPEAKER'S OFFICE REQUESTED THE HIGHWAY PATROL INCREASE THE PRESENCE AT THE CAPITOL.

WE HAVE SOME MEMBERS OF THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM HERE EACH DAY, IN CASE ANY INCIDENTS ARISE.

THE DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY IS THE GOAL THAT VISITORS TO THE CAPITOL HAVE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND THOSE FWHOSHGDZ THE CAPITOL ARE SAFE AS WELL.

>> COVID-19, GOVERNOR STATED THE NUMBERS ARE GOING DOWN.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN HOW THE STATE DEPARTMENT WILL REPORT THE NUMBERS GOING FORWARD.

>> WE'LL CONTINUE TO SEE THE DAILY UPDATE, AND THE NUMBERS OF NEW CASES AND THE SEVEN DAY AVERAGE.

BUT WE'LL NO LONGER SEE IS THE UNDERLYING DATA THAT WE USED TO GET.

LIKE THE ANTIBODY TESTS POSITIVITY RATE AND NO LONGER SEE THE HOSPITAL SURGE NUMBERS WE WERE GETTING TO INDICATE HOW CLOSE THE HOSPITALS WERE GETTING TO BEING FULL.

>> A BILL THAT WILL BE THE NEW LEADER IN THE NEXT LEGISLATURE.

WHICH BEGINS IN 2023.

SHE'S THE FIRST DEMOCRAT TO HOLD THE HOUSE DISTRICT 85 SEAT.

SOME OF THE PREVIOUS INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HELD THE SEAT, FORMER GOVERNOR FALLEN.

>> AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> YOU'RE VERY WELCOME.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> EVERY WEEK IT SEEMS THE SUPREME COURT'S RULING -- ANOTHER UNFORESEEN ASPECT IN OKLAHOMA.

WE ARE THE REPORT.

>> ON MONDAY THE TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY EXPLAINS HIS DECISION TO POSTPONE THE KICK OFF OF A PROJECT TO APPROVE A HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHICKASAW NATION.

>> SOME OF IT IS A RESULT OF THIS, WE'RE PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS ON THE SIDE OF CRIMINAL LAW, MIGHT INCLUDE SOME OF THE UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE HIGHWAY SYSTEM.

RELATED FROM ACCIDENTS INVESTIGATION TO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.

>> THE INTERCHANGE AT I-35 AND STATE HIGHWAY 9 HAS EXPERIENCED -- FUELED BY TESTIMONY NEARBY CASINO.

THE TRIBE WAS WORKING O DOT TO PAY FOR AND IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC IN THE AREA.

>> I FEEL THIS PARTICULAR MOMENT AND TIME, IT'S PRUDENT TO ENGAGE THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE IN THOSE DISCUSSIONS.

>> I APPRECIATE THAT YOU FEEL THAT WAY, BUT THE REALITY IS THE LEGISLATURE IN OKLAHOMA STATUTES WITH YOU AND THE COMMISSION.

>> THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS BY TAKING THE ISSUE OF TRIBAL PARTNERSHIP TO THE GOVERNOR, THERE'S RISK OF POLITICALIZATION.

>> WHEN I CONSIDER THIS GOVERNOR'S HISTORY ON ASSESSING AND DECIDING WHAT'S BEST FOR OKLAHOMA AS IT RELATES TO TRIBES, THAT OFFICE WOULD BE THE LAST PLACE TO SEEK ADVICE.

>> THE STATE HIGHWAY 9 PROJECT IS PART OF THE EIGHT YEAR PLAN TO KEEP POLITICS OUT OF THE ROAD MAINTENANCE.

AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, DIRECTOR MADE A CALL TO POSTPONE THE PROJECT.

>> IT'S SOMETHING THAT I FEEL UNCERTAINTY.

WHEN I TAKE A HARD LOOK AT TRIBAL AGREEMENTS, SO I'M SEEKING COUNCIL FROM OTHER PARTIES AS I NEED TO.

THE MATTER OF THE INTERCHANGE PROJECT ITSELF IS SEPARATE FROM THAT.

THAT CHANGE RESULTED FROM ME BECOMING MORE AWARE THAT WE HAD NOT IDENTIFIED A FIX THAT'S COMPREHENSIVE FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE INTERCHANGE.

>> THE DECISION TO DELAY THE PROJECT WAS NOT DIRECTLY RELATED, IT DEMONSTRATES HOW THEY'RE APPROACHING TRIBAL PARTNERSHIPS.

THE LEGAL EXPERTS DON'T THINK THE SUPREME COURT DECISION HAS A LEGAL EFFECT ON THE JOINT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT LIKE THIS.

>> IT STANDS FOR THE PROPOSITION OF WORKING TOGETHER -- WHAT'S CALLED FOR.

MATTERS OF JOINTS INTEREST.

I HAVE HEARD SOME CONCERNS THAT SOUTHERNSHIP COULD TRANSFER SOMEHOW, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT'S THE CASE.

>> ARE CALLING FOR CONGRESS TO STEP IN.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE COLE AGREES THE RULING NECESSITATES MORE -- BUT BEFORE CONGRESS TAKES ACTION, HE FEELS THE TRIBE AND THE STATE NEEDS A DECISION.

>> THEY NEED TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT AMONGST THEMSELVES.

>> THE DECISION MIGHT BE DIRECTED AT CRITICAL JURISDICTION BUT -- IS UP FOR DEBATE.

>> IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN IF THE TAXPAYERS WILL TAKE THAT TO COURT OR CHALLENGE THE TAX -- THROUGH THE ADMINISTRATIVE RULINGS AND THROUGH THAT BODY AND THEN EVENTUALLY THE SUPPORT.

IT'S CERTAINLY A PROCESS TO WORK THOSE OUT.

>> O-DOT IS DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES AND PROTOCOLS.

>> THE DEPARTMENT UNDER MY DIRECTION IS DEVELOPING A PROTOCOL THAT WILL ADDRESS THESE TRIBAL AGREEMENTS THAT WE CAN GET THEM IN DISCUSSION EARLIER IN THE PROCESS, OPEN THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION, SO WE DON'TS RUN INTO SURPRISES THAT RESULTED IN SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT ARE DEVELOPED IN THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION.

>> THE COMMISSION VOTED TO CHANGE THE PROJECT IN THE EIGHT YEAR PLAN, EFFECTIVELY DELAYING IT, AS WELL AS VOTING DOWN THE PROPOSAL FOR AN OPINION ON TRIBAL AGREEMENTS WITH O-DOT, THAT WOULD HAVE SET THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.

OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>>> THANKS.

THIS WEEK THE MUSKOGEE CREEK NATION CHANGED THE NAME.

DROPPING THE CREEK, THAT'S A MISNOMER.

IT'LL BE KNOWN AS THE MUSKOGEE NATION.

>>> TIME NOW TO RECAP THE MAJOR BUSINESS NEWS OF THE WEEK.

>>> THE COMPANY FIRST QUARTER REVENUE, BEAT ANALYST EXPECTATIONS WITH $272 MILLION, THAT'S AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 12% COMPARED TO THE SAME QUARTER IN 2020.

BELIEVES IT'S ON TRACK FOR FULL YEAR REVENUES.

AND 1.109 BILLION.

A STRONG FIRST QUARTER FOR TULSA BASE WILLIAMS.

THEY MADE FIRST QUARTER NET INCOME OF $405 MILLION.

>> THE FEBRUARY FREEZE ALSO HELPED OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS PARENTS COMPANY ONE GAS TO IMPROVE THE QUARTER ONE INCOME.

THE INCOME REACHED $95.6 MILLION.

THE CAPACITY CONTINUES TO GROW WITH GREEN POWER, ANNOUNCING IT'LL BUILD A 140 MEGAWATT WIND FARM NEXT TO ITS EXISTING WIND FACILITY.

THE ROCK HAVEN WIND PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE IN OPERATION BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

A GROCERY DELIVERY PILOT PROGRAM IS USING DRONE TECHNOLOGY.

THE PLAN IS TO DELIVER FIVE POUNDS OR LESS PACKAGE TO WHEREVER THE PERSON IS, NOT JUST THEIR HOME.

THEY'RE TRYING TO INCREASE THE RANGE OF DRONE DELIVERIES.

BEYOND THE VISUAL LINE OF SIGHTINGS PROGRAM.

AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE MANUFACTURING TO -- THE ELECTRIC CHASSIS IS A WORK TRUCK FOR MILITARY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

>>> THANKS.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE MOVIE MADE IN OKLAHOMA IS FILMING IN AND AROUND -- KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, THE MOVIE IS BASED ON A TRUE STORY, AND CHRONICLES THE MURDERS OF INDIGNOUS PEOPLE THAT STEAL THEIR OIL RIGHTS.

THE MOVIE IS BUDGETED AT $200 MILLION, AND EXPECTED TO LAST TWO AND A HALF MONTHS.

GLOBAL BUSINESSES ON THE AVENUE ARE COMPENSATED FOR CLOSING WHILE TWO BLOCKS OF DOWNTOWN IS TRANSFORMED INTO 1920S TOWN.

>> EVERYONE IS -- IT'S CONFIDENTIALITY.

I THINK IT'LL BE ALL RIGHT FOR THEM.

>> THE CREW HAS BEEN COMING INTO THE STORE, AND IT'S JUST -- IT'S EXCITING FOR BOTH OWNERS AND FOR TOURISTS.

>> THERE IS A FEAR THAT THE WHOLE TOWN IS LOCKED DOWN AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE.

>> THEY'RE REDOING THE TRAIN DEPOT, PUTTING OUT NEW TRACK, BRING IN AN LOCOMOTIVE.

AND CATTLE WILL BE PENNED UP THERE.

>> I HAVE YET TO MEET MARTIN SCORCESE.

HE'S ONE OF MY FAVORITES DIRECTORS.

>> 150 TO 200 PEOPLE ARE WORKING ON THE FILM.

>>> MAY 20 IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE TORNADO.

AS FIRST RESPONDERS FRANTICALLY SEARCHED FOR SURVIVORS, THEY FOUND A PUPPY.

>> MOLLY GIBBS A LONG TIME K-9 HANDLER, BASED IN OKLAHOMA CITY SINCE 2008.

THE DOG'S NAME IS LITTLE MAN.

AN MAY 20, 2013, AN EF 5 TORNADO CUT A MILE WIDE AND 17 MILE LONG SWATH.

A HEAVILY POPULATED SECTION OF MOORE TOOK THE BRUNT.

TWO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS INCLUDING PLAZA TOWERS WERE DESTROYED.

SEVEN CHILDREN WERE KILLED.

>> AND WE HAD A HORRIBLE EQUINE SITUATION ON HAND.

>> THE CITY OF MOORE ANIMAL SUPERVISOR ASKED MOLLY TO HELP AT THE TEMPORARY ANIMAL SHELTER SET UP AT THE FAIRGROUNDS.

AMONG THE 280 OR SO DISPLACED ANIMALS THERE WAS A DEHYDRATED, LIVELY PIT BULL PUP THAT CAUGHT HER EYE.

THAT'S HIM.

>> HE WAS HELD BY ONE OF THE VOLUNTEERS, AND HE'S LIKE, I WANT TO LICK THE CAMERA MAN.

>> THE VOLUNTEERS NAMED THE DOG, LITTLE MAN.

>> HE WAS SUCH A PISTOL AND FULL OF ENERGY.

WE CALLED HIM, HEY, LITTLE MAN.

HE WAS LIKE, LET'S GO.

IT STUCK.

>> THEY FOUND HIM UNDER PILES OF DEBRIS IN THE SHADOW OF THE THEATRE.

FIVE DAYS, FIVE AFTER THE TORNADO.

>> THE DEVASTATION IN MOORE TOOK MOLLY GIBBS BACK EIGHT YEARS TO HURRICANE KATRINA, WHERE SHE WAS PART OF A VETERINARIAN RELIEF TEAM IN 2005.

THAT DISASTER FORCED CHANGE IN THE WAY THE PETS ARE TREATED IN THE WAKE OF THINGS LIKE THIS.

>> IT WAS AN HONOR TO GO.

IT CHANGED MY LIFE.

ANY OF US WHO WERE DOWN THERE, IT CHANGED ALL OF US.

MOORE WAS A CONTAINED POPULATION SEARCH, AND THANK GOD IT WAS NOT AS BIG AS KATRINA.

BUT IT STILL REQUIRES DUE DILIGENCE, TO SEARCH SAFELY, THOROUGHLY, AND WITH GOOD ETHICAL BEHAVIOR.

>> ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THE MOORE TORNADO, MOLLY GIBBS AGREED TO HOLD ON TO LITTLE MAN FOR 30 DAYS.

>> WORKING WITH HIM, AND IT BECAME CLEAR THAT I HAD A DOG WITH GREAT POTENTIAL FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE WORK ON MY HANDS, AND I WASSING GOING TO BE A FOOL NOT TO CONTINUE WITH IT.

HE DID NOT GET CLAIMED.

>> THESE DAYS, LITTLE MAN IS A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER POOCH.

>> THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE, HE'S A CERTIFIED AREA 1 DOG.

THAT MEANS HE CAN IS DEPLOYABLE AT NIGHT.

AND DAY.

VERY LARGE ACREAGES UP TO 180 ACRES AND MORE.

>> LITTLE MAN IS A FRIEND TO MANY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

HE'S BEEN ON MANY SEARCHS AROUND THE SOONER STATE, ARKANSAS, AND COLORADO.

LAST FALL, IN AN AREA OUTSIDE THE OKLAHOMA CITY METRO, GIBBS SAYS LITTLE MAN LIKELY SAVED A WOMAN'S LIFE.

>> I CAN SAY THAT IT WASN'T AN ASSAULT VICTIM, AND IT WAS A GOOD THING THE PERSON WAS FOUND WHEN FOUND BECAUSE THAT PERSON NEEDED SERIOUS MEDICAL ATTENTION.

>> HE ROLLS LIKE THAT TO ALERT GIBBS WHEN HE PICKS UP THE SCENTS OF WHAT HE'S SEARCHING FOR.

>> TODAY, MORE AND MORE DIFFERENT BREEDS IN THE SEARCH FOLD, THAT'S GREAT.

IT'S MORE ABOUT WORKABILITY, BUT WITHIN THAT WORKABILITY, WE'RE LOOKING ATMOSPHERE PROBLEM SOLVING CAPACITY.

CURIOSITY, PREY DRIVE.

HUNTS DRIVE.

THOSE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

HUNT DRIVES BRINGS IN THE -- THEY'LL STICK TO THE TASK REGARDLESS.

>> LITTLE MAN IS SO GOOD AT IT, HE'S UP FOR A NATIONAL AWARD.

IT'S CALLED THE AMERICAN HUMANE SEARCH AND RESCUE HERO DOG AWARD.

AMERICAN HUMANE IS THE OLDEST NONPROFIT ANIMAL WELFARE GROUP IN THE U.S. >> HE'S SEARCHING TO FIND -- HE'S THE LITTLE HERO.

>> SHE'S THE ORGANIZATION'S RESCUE VETERINARIAN.

SHE'S AN OU GRADUATE WHO GOT HER PHD AT OKLAHOMA STATE, AND THEN SERVED ON THE FACULTY.

SHE'S JOINED US EARLIER VIA ZOOM THERE FR HAWAII.

>> WE HAVE TRIED TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGY THAT HAS COME CLOSE TO THE POWER OF THE DOG'S NOSE, WE HAVE YET TO DO IT.

THEY FIND PEOPLE, THEY DETECT EXPLOSIVES CLEARLY.

>> SHE'S A FAN OF LITTLE MAN.

>> DID YOU KNOW LAST FALL HE HELPED SAVE A WOMAN'S LIFE.

>> YES, I DO.

AND YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU TAKE A DOG WHO IN MANY SITUATIONS WOULD HAVE ENDED UP IN A SHELTER AND MIGHT HAVE BEEN EUTHANIZED BECAUSE OF LACK OF HOMES, IT'S AMAZING TO THINK, NOPE, THAT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM.

HE WENT FORWARD AND NOW HE'S GIVING IT ALL BACK.

>> OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>>> AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REVISIT HIS STORY ON LITTLE MAN OR OUR CONTENT ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, IT'S EASY TO DO.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT OETA.TV/ONR, OR FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

>>> A GENEROUS DONATION OF 13 BISON TO THE CITY OF DENVER, IS PAYING DIVIDENDS.

THE FIRST BABY BISON BORN SINCE THEY ARRIVED IN APRIL.

FOR NOW, THEY'RE QUARANTINES IN THE A PEN, BUT SOON THEY'LL BE ROAMING FREE.

THE CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHOE DESCRIBE -- MAKING IT A WIN WIN SITUATION.

>> THEY CAN ONLY MAINTAIN ONLY SO MANY EACH YEAR N THE PAST THEY'VE AUCTIONED THEM OFF.

BUT THERE'S A NEW PROCEDURE WITH THE CITY COUNCIL THEY ARE DONATING THEM TO INDIAN TRIBES WITH BISON HERDS.

>> THE DONATION WILL GO ON ANNUALLY TO AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBES, THE FIRST YEAR TO US, AND WE KNOW THEY'LL GO TO ROTATE TO OTHER TRIBES, BUT WE'LL BE IN LINE IN FUTURE YEARS TO RECEIVE SOME OF THE EXCESS HERD AS WELL.

>> IT COULD PRODUCE NINE TO TEN BABIES THIS YEAR ALONE.

>>> LAST WEEK WE AIRED A WIDE RANGE -- OF THE -- SOME OF THE LOYAL VIEWERS THOUGHT WE SHOULD AND COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB.

SHE WROTE, I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO SEE THE ZOOM PANEL DISCUSSION, DISCUSSING THE METHANE RESTRICTIONS.

WAS THERE NO ENVIRONMENTALISTS AVAILABLE.

OR A SCIENTIST TO OFFER A NEUTRAL VIEW.

AND THIS -- IT'S OBVIOUS TO ME AND THOUSANDS OF SCIENTISTS THAT WE NEED IMMEDIATE ALTERNATIVES TO FOSSIL FUELS TO AVOID CLIMATE CHANGE.

SO I WAS DISAPPOINTED IN THE LACK OF ALTERNATETIVE OPTIONS.

BOTH SHARING THOUGHTFUL AND VALID POINTS.

LATER THIS MONTH, WE'LL REVISIT THE FUTURE OF ENERGY IN OKLAHOMA, FEATURING A PANEL OF ACTIVISTS AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS.

>>> A REALITY COMPOUNDED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

HERE'S SUSAN CADOT.

>> YES, AN IMPORTANT TOPIC TO DISCUSS.

I'LL JUMP RIGHT INTO IT.

THE MCH EQUITY AND SPECIAL PROJECT MANAGER FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> AND THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

>> MORNING.

>> WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR POSITION WITH THE CDC.

>> I'M THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, I OVERSEE THE RESEARCH, PROGRAM EVALUATION AND TO ENSURE THE MISSION IS IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN PARTICULARLY IN THE PERIOD BEFORE DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY.

>> AND WHAT ABOUT YOU?

>> AT THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, WE FOCUS ON PROVIDING STATE LEADERSHIP, TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF ALL -- THE POPULATION.

IN THAT MISSION, MY GOAL THERE SO TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE HEALTH EQUITY AND THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE.

>> WHAT ARE HEALTH INEQUITIES?

>> DIFFERENCES IN HEALTH OUTCOMES, THAT ARE AVOID BELIEVE AND UNJUST -- AVOIDABLE AND UNJUST.

THE STATISTICS THAT WE HEAR, TO MATERNAL HEALTH, AND EMERGENCIES RESPONSE, THAT'S THE COVID-19 RESPONSE.

A LOT OF THE OUTCOMES THAT WE'VE SEEN, WHETHER THEY'RE DIFFERENCES WITH ETHNICITY, GEOGRAPHY IN PLACE.

A LOT CAN BE AVOIDED.

>> THE CAUSES, IN OKLAHOMA, 10% OF BIRTHS STATEWIDE THAT MAKE UP MORE THAN 22% OF ALL MATERNAL DEATHS.

WHY IS THAT?

>> SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE IN OKLAHOMA, ESPECIALLY THE FAMILIES OF COLOR, COVID-19 HAS BEEN A BIG HUGE BARRIER THIS YEAR.

THIS PAST YEAR.

AND TRIBUTE, TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES TRANSPORTATION, AND ALSO THE -- SPACE, WE HAVE HOSPITALS CLOSING IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES.

WE HAVE FAMILIES OF COLOR, CHALLENGED WITH APPROPRIATE CARE.

AND DISPARITIES THAT ARE SEEN.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO BUILD ON THE POINT, CDC DATA SHOWS THAT AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKAEN NATIVE, ARE TWO TO THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM MATERNAL DEATH.

IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, ALSO A HIGHER RATE OF THE DEATHS THAN IN URBAN.

AND LIVING IN URBAN COMMUNITIES, THERE'S DISPARITIES BETWEEN BLACK PERSONS AND NATIVE AMERICAN PERSONS COMPARED TO WHITE PERSONS.

I THINK UNDERSTANDING THE DATA CAN HELP US UNDERSTAND THE DRIVERS.

UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE NEED OF APPROPRIATE CARE AND MADE SURE THAT WOMEN ARE -- IN PLACES THAT BEST MEET THEIR NEEDS FOR RISK.

UNDERSTANDING ISSUES IN REGARDS TO VARNGS VARIATIONS OF CARE, AND TAKING US BACK WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT DISPARITY, AND THINK ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL FORCES THAT DELINEATE WHERE THE RESOURCES ARE.

YOU THINK ABOUT STRUCTURAL RACISM AND HISTORICAL TRAUMA, AND HOW THAT'S IMPACTED THE DISTRIBUTION OF JOBS, EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, MEDICAL RESOURCES, SEGREGATION, ALL OF THOSE ISSUES DO PLAY A ROLE IN DISPARITY.

THE RISK FACTOR IS NOT RACE, IT'S THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCT OF RACE, AND HOW THAT PLAYS ABOUT IN MEDICAL OUTCOME.

>> I'LL JUMP AHEAD TO A QUESTION I HA -- BLACK MOTHERS ARE DISMISSED BY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.

AND IT HAPPENED TO SERENA WILLIAMS.

IS THIS AN ASSUMPTION OF WOMEN OF COLOR HAVING BABIES?

OR A COMBINATION THERE OF, I HAVE A FEELING THIS IS A COMPLICATED ISSUE.

>> THERE'S STUDIES THAT HAVE SHOWN ONE IN SIX WOMEN EXPERIENCE THIS IN PRENATAL CARE.

THEY'RE HIGHER AMONG THE HISPANIC AND BLACK WOMEN.

THERE'S SOMETHING TO UNDERSTAND AROUND RESPECTFUL CARE, AND PREGNANCY IN GENERAL.

AND THEN, UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORICAL TRAUMAS AND HOW RACE INTERACTS WITH HOW WE INTERACT WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND WHERE THERE'S DATA THAT SUPPORTS THE ISSUE OF WOMEN NOT FEELING LISTENED TO, AND THAT WAS ONE OF THE DRIVERS IN HER CAMPAIGN.

ONE PART TO RAISE THE YOU DO THAT WARNING SIGNS -- URGENT WARNING SIGNS.

>> WE HAVE THE QUESTIONS, AND ALSO -- WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY THAT HAVE CONFIRMED, THE CAMPAIGN WAS NOT TO VALIDATE, OR THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PROVIDER.

THEY'RE NOT HEARD OR THE PROVIDER AT THAT TIME.

SOME OF THE EXPRESSED CONCERNS IN THE -- PROVIDERS TAKE TIME TO INTERACT AND REALLY KNOW THEIR PATIENTS, WHO SEE THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE, NOT WHAT THEY ARE.

>> WHAT'S DONE IN OKLAHOMA TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?

I UNDERSTAND THERE'S HAPPENING IN TULSA AND THE STATE.

>> THANK YOU FOR ASKING THAT.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WE BAN TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THIS PARTICULAR CONCERN.

OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SUPPORTS OTHER AGENCIES THAT WE DO HAVE, ORGANIZATIONS AND FACILITIES HAVE DEVELOPED THE MATERNAL HEALTH TASK FORCE.

THE CONCERNS THEY'RE ADDRESSING, LOOKING AT -- -- RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE A LOT OF GREAT THINGS HAPPENING FOR FAMILIES TO FALL IN THOSE CATEGORIES, WE DO HAVE OUR OKLAHOMA STAR CLINIC THAT THE DIRECTS MOTHERS AND INFANTS AFFECTED BY OPIOID USE.

WE SAW PROMISING -- FROM THAT.

MOTHERS SEEKING CARE.

BASED OFF ON THEIR CURRENT SITUATION.

AS WELL AS THE DISPARITY, THEY'RE DEVELOPING A TRAINING TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS AND MAKE SURE THAT -- WHERE THEY ARE NOT ADDRESSING SOME OF THOSE OTHER BARRIERS THEY MAY HAVE PREVIOUSLY ENCOUNTERED.

>> I WANT TO SAY, IT'S BEEN A ROUGH TIME ON THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY HERE.

BUT THERE'S PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY WITH THE ISSUES.

>> YEAH, I THINK THERE ARE IN REGARDS TO ISSUES AROUND CHRONIC DISEASE AND MANAGEMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, UNDERSTANDING HOW DIFFERENCES IN CHRONIC DISEASE MAY IMPACT THE MORTALITY, AND COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY, A LOT OF THOSE SAME ISSUES ARE DRIVING DISPARITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS.

I THINK THERE'S THINGS THAT WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN DO IN REGARDS TO UNDERSTANDING THE URGENT WARNING SIGNS, WORKING WITH THEIR PROVIDERS, HAVE PLANS TO ADDRESS THE MEDICAL AND SOCIAL CONCERNS, AND THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT.

BUT WE REALLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT THOSE SOCIAL DETERMINEATS OF HEALTH.

TO CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT FOR PERSONS TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS.

AND BE HEALTHY.

THERE'S THINGS THAT WOMEN AND PATIENTS CAN DO TO BE EMPOWERED TO BE SURE THEY'RE PARTICIPATING FULLY IN SELF-CARE AND HEALTH.

IF WE'RE NOT SETTING UP THE STRUCTURES WHERE THE PROVIDERS ARE LISTENING TO THEM, AND RECEIVING QUALITY CARE AT THE RIGHT TIME, AND THEN AGAIN, THE SOCIAL STRUCTURES ARE SET UP FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THOSE HEALTHY BEHAVIORS.

FOR EXAMPLE IT'S EASY FOR US TO TELL WOMEN TO BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE, BUT THEY LIVE IN A NEIGHBORHOOD THAT DON'T HAVE SIDEWALKS OR HAS COMMUNITY VIOLENCE, THAT PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION IS HARDER TO IMPLEMENT.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE SPEAKING TO WOMEN AND LISTENING TO WOMEN.

UNDERSTAND WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN HAVE IN IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

>> YEAH, WE TALK ABOUT TRANSPORTATION, HAVING OTHER CHILDREN AT HOME, GETTING TO THE APPOINTMENTS.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ISSUES AT THE FOREFRONT OF YOUR MIND, YOU DON'T THINK OF THAT AS BEING AN ISSUE.

WHEN YOU DO FOOIRNL GO YOU GET ADMONISHED FOR NOT ATTENDING THE LAST APPOINTMENT.

THEY FEEL BAD THEY CAN'T KEEP UP WITH EVERYTHING.

DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT?

>> THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WE'VE HEARD FROM THE MOTHERS.

THE PERSONAL SITUATIONS ARE NOT TO CONSOLIDATE IT.

WE HAVE TWO DIFFERENT PROGRAMS THAT WE SUPPORT, THE PARENTS FOR A LIFETIME IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY.

WE LOOK AT THE BARRIERS TO ADDRESS FEEDING BARRIERS, AND TO ADDRESS INFANT MORTALITY BARRIERS OR SOME OF THE OTHER ONES WE'RE LOOKING AT, MATERNAL MOOD DISORDERS.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT -- SURVIVORS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO CHANGE THE POLICIES AND THE PRACTICES.

BUT ALSO TO HAVE THE SOCIAL SUPPORT FROM OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE SUPPORT WITH THE OKLAHOMA MORTALITY ALLIANCE IS WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT -- AND THAT'S A COMMUNITY BASED EFFORT THAT ARE MADE OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO -- THEY WORK IN PARTNERSHIP.

AND IT CHANGES THE FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN OKLAHOMA.

>> I WANT TO THROW THIS OUT.

MATERNAL MORTALITY HAS INCREASED 50%, IS THAT TRUE?

>> THAT'S WHAT WE SEE ON AVERAGE.

IT'S ABOUT 11 MOTHERS IN OKLAHOMA THAT DIE.

AND OF THOSE, YOU LOOK AT THE WOMEN OF COLOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN THEY'RE LOWER IN THAT REPRODUCTIVE RATE OF URBAN COMMUNITY THEY HAVE A HIGHER RATE OF MORTALITY AS WELL.

MATERNAL MORTALITY.

WE'RE TRYING TO LOOK AT WHAT ARE THE CAUSES.

THE TASK FORCE WE HAVE, AND IMPLEMENTED AND COMES FROM THE RECOMMENDATIONS, THOSE ARE DRIVERS OF WITH A WE'RE LOOKING AT FOR CHANGE.

WE CAN IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF MATERNAL HEALTH FOR THE NEXT 18 YEARS.

>>> DO YOU KNOW WHERE OKLAHOMA STACKS UP WITH OTHER STATES IN AMERICA AS FAR AS MATERNAL MORTALITY.

HEALTH, ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE?

>> I DON'T HAVE THOSE PARTICULAR STATISTICS AT HAND.

BUT WE DO KNOW THERE'S STARK VARIATIONS.

DOES PLAY A ROLE IN STATISTICS WITH THE UNDERLYING DRIVERS, AND JUST WANTING TO BUILD ON WHAT SHE SAID, THE PROGRAM THAT CDC HAS THAT WE CALL RACE MM, ENHANCING THE NEED FOR SURVEILLANCE TO ELIMINATE MATERNAL MORTALITY.

THAT'S WHERE WE REPORT THE COMMITTEES, THEY'RE REALLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING IN CLINICAL AND NONCLINICAL DATA.

AND REALLY UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT OF EACH WOMAN'S LIFE WHO TRAGICALLY PASSED AWAY FROM PREGNANCY COMPLICATION, AND REALLY LOOK AT THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THE DEATH.

AND WHERE THE STRENGTH IN THE STATE COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE DEATHS, THAT INFORMATION IS REALLY CRITICAL TO PARTNER WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.

THE COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS, LIKE HEALTHY START, THE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION ORGANIZATIONS, REALLY ABLE TO LOOK AT AT THE CONTEXT OF THE DRIVERS AT THE PATIENT LEVEL, THE HEALTH SYSTEM LEVEL, THE COMMUNITY LEVELS, AND REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT ARE THE THINGS WE CAN PUT IN PLACE TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS.

>> WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME, BUT I WANT TO GIVE SOME WEBSITES IN HERE TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION AND GET HELP.

FIRST OF ALL, A FEW CSC -- AND WICHEALTH.ORG.

>> I WOULD LIKE-OF-LOVE FOR THE VIEWERS TO CHECK OUT OUR CAMPAIGN, CDC.GOV/HEARHER.

AND AGAIN, IT GIVES WOMEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE URGENT WARNING SIGNS ARE THAT REQUIRE URGENT MEDICAL CARE.

AND IT PROVIDES TOOLS FOR PARTNERS AND FAMILIES TO HELP FACILITATE THE CONVERSATIONS WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND TOOLS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO ENHANCE THE PATIENT AND PROVIDE A COMMUNICATION.

WE'RE ALL WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES.

>> ANY FINAL WORDS?

>> OKLAHOMA HAS DONE A LOT, SOME OF THE INFORMATION YOU CAN FIND ON THE WEBSITE AT OKLAHOMA.GOV/HEALTH.

AND UNDER THAT SECTION, THE STATE WEBSITE THE FAMILY HEALTH, THERE'S A LOT OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMMING THAT WE DO, AND ALSO HELPFUL TOOLS FOR THE FAMILY.

WE HAVE TRAINING TOOLS, AND RESOURCES FOR PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE CARE.

>> ANY FINAL WORD FOR YOU?

IS IT.

>> YEAH, I THINK HEALTH INEQUITIES IS AN ISSUE WE ALL NEED TO CARE ABOUT, AND ALL WORK TOGETHER TO ADDRESS AND THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN DO AS A PATIENT, PROVIDER, HEALTH SYSTEM AND THE COMMUNITY LEVEL, AND SOME REALLY GOOD EXAMPLES WERE HIGHLIGHTED HERE TODAY.

I THINK THE ONE TAKEAWAY IS FOR US TO ALL THINK ABOUT HOW TO PLAY A ROLE IN REDUCING THESE DISPARITIES THAT ARE UNACCEPTABLE, AND FOR US TO ALL MOVE FORWARD WE ALL NEED TO MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER.

>> THIS HAS BEEN GREAT INFORMATION FROM BOTH OF YOU.

THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS SHARING THE VALUABLE INSIGHTS WITH THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

I WISH YOU BOTH TO HAVE A GREAT WEEK, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> THANK YOU.

SPRINGTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY AND PLANT A VEGETABLE GARDEN.

IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR POCKETBOOK, AND FOR MANY, IT'S THE DIFFERENCE OF HAVING FRESH PRODUCE AND GOING WITHOUT.

COMMUNITY GARDENS ARE MORE AND MORE COMMON IN OKLAHOMA.

THESE GARDENS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP PEOPLE GROW THEIR OWN FOOD AND ALL IT COSTS IS A LITTLE BIT OF HARD WORK.

WE GO TO VERMONT TO SEE HOW IT'S DONE IN THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE.

>> SPECIFICALLY AT THE ETHAN ALLEN HOMESTEAD.

WE HAVE 50 PLOTS HERE, AND WE HAVE 65 FAMILIES WHO FARM.

WE WORK WITH PEOPLE FROM SOMALI, NAPAL, BURMA.

YOU HAVE THE ELDERS WHO CAME WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SOME OF THE YOUTH IN THEIR 30'S AND 40'S, AND DEFINITIVELY YOUNGER THAN THAT, MAY HAVE HAVE OR REMEMBER GROWING FOOD.

>> I ALWAYS -- AND MY SON ALSO.

WE HAVE TO LEARN EVERYTHING FOR FAMILY.

I SAY DAUGHTER, PLEASE GO AND HELP YOUR FATHER.

THIS IS SO MUCH.

SHE LIKES FLOWERS.

>> IT'S A PLACE THAT PEOPLE FEEL SAFE, AND THEY FEEL AT HOME, AND YOU GET TO EAT OFF THE LAND.

FRIDGES AND GROCERY STORES ARE ALL FOREIGN CONCEPTS IN MANY WAYS.

>> WE DON'T KNOW.

HOW MANY SO WE'RE DOING THE GARDEN.

TO GET THE FRESH VEGETABLE.

>> THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH HERE AT NEW FARMS NEW AMERICANS, THEY HAVE THIS TREMENDOUS SKILL OF GROWING FOOD AND SAVING FOOD.

IT'S LIKE THE PRIOR GENERATION OF VERMONTERS, WHERE GROWING AND SAVING FOOD WAS PART OF RURAL LIFE AND URBAN BACK YARDS.

NOW WE'RE SEEING THE RETURN TO GROWING FOOD IN OUR BACK YARD, AND I THINK THERE'S A REAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE FARMERS HERE AND VERMONTERS IN THAT REGARD.

A BIG PART OF THIS PROGRAM IS HELPING PEOPLE TO GROW CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT CROPS.

>> WE SAY [INAUDIBLE].

IT'S A PICTURE.

WE MAKE ALL THIS ONE, THIS ONE.

WE MAKE TOGETHER.

>> WE HAVE AFRICAN CORN THAT'S SIMILAR TO A -- CORN.

PEOPLE ROAST IT AND IT TASTES KIND OF LIKE A ROASTY POTATO.

AND WE HAVE A CORN MILL THAT WE PROVIDE, AFTER THEY DRIED IT, THEY CAN MILL IT AND HAVE FLOUR.

>> HI.

HOW ARE YOU?

IS THIS SOG?

SOG THE MUSTARD GREEN?

WILL YOU LEAVE IT IN THE SUN?

FOR THE SUN?

TO DRY?

TWO DAYS.

I BELIEVE THAT VERMONT HAS A TRADITION OF BEING VERY WELCOMING TO PEOPLE FROM OTHER PLACES, AND REALLY VALUES THAT AS PART OF WHO WE ARE.

THE FARMERS THAT I WORK WITH HERE ARE NEIGHBORS THAT PEOPLE HAVE CONNECTION WITH, AND MAYBE SOME DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH, BUT YOU DON'T NEED ENGLISH TO SHARE IN THE JOY OF GROWING A ZUCCHINI, OR A BEAUTIFUL LOOKING TOMATO.

THAT'S A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF FOOD AND IT'S AN EASY WAY TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE, AND LEARN ABOUT OTHER PLACES.

>>> ON THE NEXT OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, WITH A CENTENNIAL THAT -- LESS THAN A MONTH WAY, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA COME TO GREENWOOD AMERICANS WILL LEARN ABOUT FOR THE FIRST TIME.

ROUTE 66 ROLLS THROUGH THREE TIME ZONES AND OKLAHOMA IS ONE OF THEM.

WE'LL LEAVE YOU THIS WEEK A SPIN DOWN THE MOTHER ROAD.

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

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