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

WITH POLLS SHOWING THEM RUNNING NECK AND NECK THE TWO LEADING CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR SHARE THE SAME STAGE THIS WEEK.

THEY'RE TAKING PART IN A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION ON WEDNESDAY.

THIS WAS NOT A MADE FOR TV EVENT, WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE VIDEO.

HERE'S AN EQUAL SAMPLING FROM THE INCUMBENT AND THE CHALLENGER ON THE KEY ISSUES FACING OKLAHOMAENS.

>> THEY'RE DEMONIZING YOUR INDUSTRY, AND I WILL STAND UP FOR IT.

I'VE BEEN BEFORE CONGRESS AND TESTIFIED ABOUT PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT.

>> I SEE WHAT OF THOSE INDUSTRY LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY SECTOR HAVE DONE FOR THIS STATE.

FOR EDUCATION.

FOR OUR ECONOMY.

AND YOU ARE A KEY IN KEEPING OUR STATE ECONOMY MOVING FORWARD AND CANNOT BE VILLE NIZED OR DEMONIZED.

>> IT WAS A DISASTER IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES TO THAT?

THAT MEANS THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA DIDN'T HAVE JURISDICTIONS TO REGULATE OIL GAS, A HUGE ISSUE.

I WAS NOT GOING TO BE THE GOVERNOR TO GO DOWN IN HISTORY TO GIVE HALF OF MY STATE AWAY.

>> WE HAVE A CRISIS THAT THE GOVERNOR MISHANDLED.

AND HE COULD HAVE HAD A COMPACT RIGHT AWAY FOR EACH OF THE AFFECTED TRIBES TO HAVE GREATER SAFETY AND SECURITY IN THE JURISDICTIONS BUT HE DIDN'T.

HE'S ALREADY BURNED BRIDGES WITH THE TRIBAL NATIONS IN OKLAHOMA.

>> THEY'VE BEEN DEALING WITH DEVASTATING DROUGHTS THIS YEARS.

WE APPROPRIATED $23 MILLION TO HELP WITH THE DROUGHT ORDER RESISTANCE AND HELP WITH THEM.

>> RURAL OKLAHOMA IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS FOR OUR OVERALL STATE.

AND FRANKLY, WE HAVE A GOVERNOR IN THE PUSHING OF VOUCHER SCHEME IS A RURAL SCHOOL KILLER.

YOU KILL THE SCHOOL YOU KILL THE ECONOMY.

>> WE'VE INCREASED 15 TO 20% ON WAGE GROWTH, THAT'S SOMETHING I'M PROUD OF.

WE'RE GOING AFTER SECTORS AND INDUSTRIES THAT CAN INCREASE THE WAGE GROWTH OF OKLAHOMA.

>> WE'RE NEEDING TO LOOK AT THE HEALTH AND THE EDUCATION AS AN INVESTMENT AND NOT AN EXPENSE.

AND WE CANNOT LEAN ON ONE INDUSTRY LIKE WE'VE SEEN HISTORICALLY HAPPEN IN THIS STATE.

WE HAVE TO DIVERSIFY IN A WAY THAT GETS THE JOB DONE.

>> THE LEADERS OF THE FIVE LARGEST TRIBES -- LEADING UP TO THE MIDTERMS.

THEY'RE SPEAKING OUT ON RECENTLY PASSED LAWS.

ON TUESDAY, THE DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR, WAS THE BENEFICIARY OF -- >> WHETHER IT'S THE RESOURCES TO FUND EDUCATION, WHETHER IT'S GETTING BEHIND EDUCATION POLICY THAT WORKS, SHE'S READY RG WILLING AND ABLE AND HAS BEEN TESTED IN ALL OF THOSE ARENAS.

SHE WANTS TO UNITE PEOPLE SHE DOESN'T LOOK TO DIVIDE US.

SHE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT IN OUR CONSERVATIVE VALUES IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, SHE WANTS TO PULL US TOGETHER ON THE THEY THINK WE CAN AGREE UPON.

NOT PULL US APART.

WE HAVE HAD THAT AND WE'RE SICK AND TIRED OF IT.

>> I BELIEVE THAT SHE'LL PUT THE PEOPLE OF OKLAHOMA FIRST.

IT'S BEEN MADE CLEAR THAT OUR GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA IS BIPARTISAN.

>> THE BOND WE HAVE WITH THE 39 TRIBAL NATIONS WHO CALL OUR STATE HOME, IS ONE OF OKLAHOMA'S GREATEST COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES AND WHAT MAKES OKLAHOMA ENTIRELY UNIQUE.

AS GOVERNOR, I WILL EMBRACE THAT BOND, NOT BREAK IT.

>> FOR HIS PART, HE'S RECEIVED A MAJOR ENDORSEMENT FROM THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.

IN REACTION TO THE TRIBE'S ENDORSEMENT, THE GOVERNOR'S CAMPAIGN MANAGER SAYS, QUOTE, GOING IS PROUD TO HAVE THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE OKLAHOMA STATE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE AND THE SUPPORT OF THOUSANDS OF TRIBAL MEMBERS IN THE STATE.

THE GOVERNOR HAS DELIVERED ON HIS PROMISES TO TURN DEFICITS INTO SURPLUSES TO DELIVER SAFE COMMUNITIES.

AND FUND -- ALL WHILE CUTTING TAXES FOR EVERY OKLAHOMA.

THE TRIBAL COUNCIL OF THE FIVE TRIBES HAS ALSO RELEASED A JOINT -- FOR THE REAPPEAL.

MANY EDUCATORS HAVE EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION WITH THE NEW LAW.

THE LAW STATES IN PART, THE STUDENTS SHOULDN'T FEEL DISCOMFORT, GUILT OR DISTRESS ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR RACE OR SEX.

NOW THE EXPO PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESS OWNERS TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO LEADERS FROM 15 DIFFERENT STATE CABINETS.

THE GOAL IS TO LEARN WHAT THE STATE'S NEEDS ARE AND THE PRIVATE COMPANIES TO POSITION THEMSELVES AND MEET THE NEEDS.

>> FOUR YEARS AGO, WHEN OKLAHOMAENS ELECTED ME GOVERNOR, I WAS AN OUTSIDER.

AND THAT'S WHAT I DID, FRESH SET OF EYES.

IF I TAKE US BACK THERE, FOUR YEARS AGO, WE WERE HAVING BUDGET DEFICIT AFTER BUDGET DEFICIT.

VERY LITTLE MONEY IN SAVINGS.

TODAY, WE HAVE THE LARGEST SAVINGS ACCOUNT IN OUR STATE'S HISTORY.

REALLY REALLY PROUD OF THE ECONOMY, AND AS A BUSINESS PERSON MYSELF, I UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BUSINESS PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH IN THE ROOM.

HAVE TO BOOT STRAP EVERYTHING.

I STARTED WITH $1,000 AND A COMPUTER.

AND I STARTED LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM.

>> AND EXPLAINS THE PURCHASING PROCESS AND HOW TO PROPERLY BID FOR THE STATE CONTRACTS.

>>> AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS WILL NOT RECONVENE.

>>> THE DEMOCRAT IS RUNNING AGAINST REPUBLICAN RYAN WALTER TO REPLACE THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

AS YOU CAN SEE, A LOT GOING ON POLITICLY.

BETWEEN NOW AND NOVEMBER 8, WE'LL INTERVIEW THE FOUR CANDIDATES, THE INTERVIEWS ARE 15 MINUTES IN LENGTH, BEGINNING THIS WEEK'S -- HERE'S A PREVIEW.

>> ANOTHER THING TO DO IS TO TRY TO MAKE THE MONEYS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE DISTRICTS MORE EQUITABLE.

SO A STUDENT IN PO DUNK OKLAHOMA GETS JUST AS GOOD EDUCATION AS SOMEONE ELSE IN OKLAHOMA.

I NEED ONE MORE VOTE THAN THE SECOND PLACE PERSON.

THAT COULD BE 34%.

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME IN OKLAHOMA HISTORY, THAT WE HAVE A CHANCE TO ELECT AN INDEPENDENT TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

NOT SOMEONE WHO'S BEHOLDEN TO THE FAR RIGHT OR LEFT.

WE CAN DO THIS WITH 420,000 VOTES.

>> THAT CONVERSATION WITH MODERATOR SUSAN CADOT IN A FEW MINUTES.

AND THE GOVERNOR DID GREEN LIGHT FOR THE MONEY FOR THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS IN OKLAHOMA.

WE HAVE THE DETAILS.

>> RICH, EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE STATE LEGISLATURE SET ASIDE THE FIRST $3 IN DROUGHT EMERGENCY FUNDING.

A MONTH AGO THE GOVERNOR DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AND CLEARED UP MORE IN THE PANDEMIC RELIEF FUND THE STATE SAYS WILL EVENTUALLY GET THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

A LOT HUMOR GOES A LONG WAY.

THE MCNABBS, HIS DAD AND BROTHER OPERATED A LARGE CATTLE RANCH SOUTH OF MUSTANG SINCE 1993.

HE HAD A PREMONITION IN 2021.

>> IT ROLLED INTO 22, AND IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORTH.

WE WERE BLESSED TO PUT UP A LITTLE HAY, AND THEN IT JUST -- I WOULDN'T KNOW.

IT'S BEEN COMING FOR A WHILE.

YOU COULD FEEL IT'S NOT RIGHT.

>> DRASTIC TIMES CALL FOR DRASTIC MEASURES.

TWO MONTHS AGO, KYLE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO DIG DOWN BELOW THAT POND THAT WENT DRY BACK IN AUGUST.

IT'S ONE OF TWO PONDS THAT DRIED UP ON THE RANCH.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, SINCE THEY BOUGHT THE PLACE 29 YEARS AGO.

>> YOU GET CREATIVE.

YOU GO AHEAD AND TRY TO FENCE OFF DIFFERENT PASTURES DIFFERENT WAY.

TRY TO ROTATE THE ANIMALS MORE REFRACTLY.

BUT -- FREQUENTLY.

BUT YOU BETTER LOOK FOR FEED SOURCES, HAY, WHATEVER FEED YOU'RE PLANNING ON FEEDING, AND YOU HAVE TO START SELLING COWS.

OR CALFS.

>> AND AS HARD AS IT WAS, THEY HAD TO SELL PART OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.

THERE'S ONE AT LEAST IN EVERY COUNTY, IN COME COUNTIES TWO.

SO ENCOURAGING PRODUCERS TO REACH OUT TO THE DISTRICTS TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO APPLY.

>> SHE SAYS AN EMERGENCY DROUGHT COMMISSION COMPRISED OF THE SECRETARY >>> THE FOOD PRODUCERS POCKETS TO HELP THEM TRY TO GET TO NEXT YEAR.

THAT'S ALL THAT IT'LL DO.

>> GOVERNOR SAYS A DAY EARLIER, HE'LL RELAX STATE RESTRICTION.

>> THERE ARE MANY MANY FARMER AND IS RANCHERS HURTING, THIS HELP CAN'T GET TO THEM SOON ENOUGH.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> WHEN THEY'RE CALLED THEY COME.

THIS WEEK, TEENS FROM THE OKLAHOMA BAPTIST DISASTER RELIEF ARE DOWN IN FLORIDA.

PEOPLE IN SOME CASES HAVE LOST EVERYTHING.

THE OKLAHOMA TEAMS ARE SENT TO THE EAST COAST NEAR DAYTONA, THERE WAS ALSO LOTS OF DAMAGE LEFT BEHIND AS HURRICANE IAN SURGED.

>> THE STORM SURGE AND THE WIND AND RAIN OF THAT OVERWHELMED THE BEACH AREA INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE STORM.

AND THE RIVER WAS ALREADY A FLOOD STAGE.

FROM THE NORTH TO SOUTH.

THAT TOGETHER CAUSED A HUGE AREA ON THE COAST, DAYTONA NORTH.

HUNDREDS OF HOMES FLOODED.

AND THAT'S WHERE WE ARE TODAY.

>> THE OKLAHOMA BAPTIST DISASTER RELIEF TEAMS COULD BE WORKING IN FLORIDA THROUGH THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.

>>> SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH AND MANY PEOPLE CHAOS TO FOREGO ALCOHOL FOR 31 DAYS.

FOR SOME, GIVING UP DRINKING IS A VERY DIFFICULT THING TO DO.

ALCOHOLISM AFFLICTS ALL OF SOCIETY.

BUT NATIVE AMERICANS STRUGGLE AT A HIGHER RATE THAN THE POPULATION.

WHAT'S DONE TO HELP ADDRESS THE SITUATION.

>> ACCORDING TO THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, 29.5% OF THE NATIVE AMERICANS USE THE DRUGS BETWEEN 2015 AND 2019.

>> SO DEFINITIVELY BY ALL MEANS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BEEN THERE, AND IN MY OPINION SHOULD BE DEAD.

>> AFTER TEN YEARS OF ALCOHOLISM AND ADDICTION, SHE STARTED HER RECOVERY WHEN SHE FOUND OUT SHE WAS GOING TO BE A MOM.

>> THINGS SHIFTED IN MY BRAIN A BIT TO DO BETTER.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IS WHERE I GOT CLEAN.

AND I'VE NEVER USED ANY ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCES SINCE THEN.

BUT THAT'S NOT MY JOURNEY.

>> SHE STAYED ASSOCIATE THROUGH THE PREGNANCY -- SOBER THROUGH THE PREGNANCY BUT SLIPPED AFTER BIRTH.

>> I DON'T JUST GET TO WAKE UP AND IT JUST HAPPENED.

>> NATIVE AMERICANS ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BY ALL OF THESE THINGS.

I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF THE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.

THE PROGRAMS THAT ARE AVAILABLE.

>> THERE'S A PRESENTATION AND AROVRY PANEL DISCUSSION TO SPREAD HOPE AND HEALING TO FAMILIES SUFFERING AT THE HANDS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ILLNESS.

>> HOW MUCH, HOW OFTEN, TO GET UP AND GO DOWN.

>> THE EVENT WAS DESIGNED TO SOFTEN PEOPLE'S HEARTS AND MINDS, IF WE CALL IT AN ILLNESS, ILLNESS DOES CERTAIN THINGS TO PEOPLE, IT'S THE FUNCTION OF THE ILLNESS AND NOT THE PERSON.

>> WE CONTINUE TO WORK TO BUILD THE UNDERSTANDING AND THE GAP THAT'S THERE.

AND THAT WE CAN DO REALLY GREAT THINGS.

AND HELPING WITH PEOPLE OVERCOME THE ADDICTION.

JUST BY UNDERSTANDING THEM.

>> THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECEIVED ANOTHER GRANT FROM THE -- THE LATEST OF THE THREE GRANTS IS $1.9 MILLION.

>> IT ALLOWED US TO ADDRESS THE EPIDEMIC, AND WE DEVELOPED A SYSTEM THAT WE FELT WORKING WITHIN THIS COMMUNITY A PROGRAM THAT REALLY TARGETED THE CHALLENGES OUR PEOPLE ARE SPECIFICALLY GOING THROUGH.

>> WE HAVE TO GO TO PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION, WE HAVE TO GO TO WHERE THEY ARE.

AND HELPING THEM TO LEAD AS HEALTHY A LIFE, WHILE THEY'RE STRUGGLING, OFTEN LEADS TO A PATH OF RECOVERY.

>> IT'S IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS THE SUBSTANCE MISUSE THE WAY THAT BEST SUITS THEIR COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

>> IT'S A GROUP THAT'S BEEN MARGINALIZED AND POORLY TREATED.

I FEEL FORTUNATE TO BE IN A SETTING WE CAN PROVIDE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE AND CONFIDENT CARE, TRAUMA CARE, MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY'RE AT, NOT JUDGING THEM, NOT PLAYING THIS LARGER NARRATIVE OF STIGMA AND SHAMING.

>> ONE OF THE PROGRAMS UTILIZED BY BOTH TRIBES IS THE RECOVERY.

>> YOU HAVE A DEEPER CONNECTION AND UNDERSTANDING.

>> WE'VE BEEN THERE, AND WE'VE WALKED THAT LINE AND NOW ON THIS LINE.

IT'S HONESTLY THE BEST PART OF RECOVERY IS TO SHARE THAT EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH AND HOPE.

>> MOST FOCUS ON HELPING THE INDIVIDUAL STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION, THE PROVIDERS STRESS IT'S IMPORTANT FOR FAMILIES TO NOT ONLY BE UNDERSTANDING BUT TO ACTIVELY SEEK HELP AS WELL.

>> AS A PARENT, WHEN YOUR BEDTIME PRAYER IS YOUR CHILD DOESN'T END UP IN A JAIL CELL, THAT'S A TERRIBLE WAY TO LIVE.

WHAT I WOULD TELL THEM IS YOU NEED HELP TOO.

THIS ILLNESS AFFECTS YOU TOO.

IT HARDENS YOUR HEART AND MAKES YOU BITTER.

YOU TRY TO BELIEVE THE LOVED ONE IS UNWELL AND NOT BAD.

IF YOU CAN MAKE THAT ONE SHIFT, THEY'RE UNWELL AND WHAT DO WE DO WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE UNWELL?

WE GET THEM WELL.

GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET BETTER.

>> HOLD A VIRTUAL LECTURE GEARED TO UNDERSTANDING THE FAMILY JOURNEY AND THAT EVENT IS DECEMBER 8 VIA ZOOM.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> IT'S IMPORTANT AND CAN PUT YOUR MIND AND MIND OF LOVED ONES AT EASE.

MORE AND MORE OKLAHOMAENS ARE NOT WAITING UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE TO CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN.

WE REPORT.

>> DID ALL THREE.

PROBATE PLAN.

>> IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

THOSE OFFERED BY THE ORDINARY REASONS OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY LAW FIRM.

THE DEMAND IS SO HIGH, THE LAW FIRM JUST MERGED WITH ANOTHER.

>> WE'RE REALLY EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH THE ATTORNEYS, I'VE WORKING WITH THEM OVER THE YEARS.

THEIR LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION TO THE CLIENT IS SECOND TO NONE.

>> THERE'S AN INCREASE OF PEOPLE TRYING TO PLAN TO MAKE SURE THE CHILDREN, PROPERTY AND OTHER ISSUES ARE TAKEN CARE OF.

>> EXPERIENCED A SPIKE OF 156% INCREASE IN THE TRAFFIC.

THAT'S IN DIRECT RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC, AND GROWING DEMOGRAPHIC IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> TALKING ABOUT END OF LIFE ISSUES IS DIFFICULT FOR MOST FAMILIES, GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS, AND -- HOW FAR THEY GO TO SAVE A LIFE AND HOW THE ESTATE IS DISPERSED AFTER DEATH CAN BRING A FEELING OF SECURITY WITH IT.

>> YOUNG FAMILIES ESPECIALLY WORRIED WHO WOULD TAKE OVER OR WATCH AND BE IN CARE OF THEIR MINOR CHILDREN IF THEY'RE NOT HERE.

THEY WANT TO BE IN CHARGE.

THEY WANT SOME CONTROL OVER THERE.

THEY'RE BUILDING ESTATE PLANS AT AN EARLIER AGE.

>> IT'S CATCHING MORE ATTENTION THESE DAYS.

>> GETS YOU TO THINKING, IF I FELL AND HIT MY HEAD AND COULDN'T SPEAK FOR MYSELF, WHO DO I WANT SPEAKING FOR ME?

HAVE I TALKED TO MY SPOUSE OF MY WISHES, MY KIDS.

THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

YOU MAY HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO COME IN AND DISAGREE.

THERE YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.

>> SHE HAS BEEN A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER IN HOSPICE FOR 14 YEARS.

>> AS A SOCIAL WORKER IN HOSPICE, YOU'RE KIND OF PROVIDING PEOPLE WITH EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AND THAT BEREAVEMENT COUNSELLING.

>> THE ADVANCED DIRECTIVE CAN MAKE IT VERY CLEAR WHAT A PERSON WANTS DONE IF HE OR SHE CAN'T MAKE THE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS.

>> WE DON'T REALLY DEAL WITH IT AS WE SHOULD.

WE'RE DOING A BETTER JOB SINCE THE PANDEMIC, THINGS HAPPEN SO QUICKLY IN THAT PERIOD.

AND MAYBE THEY'RE REALIZING, THIS DOES HAPPEN TO SOMEONE IN THEIR 30'S.

>> THE PANDEMIC ALSO CREATED A SURGE FOR FUEL HOMES.

THESE DAYS, THINGS ARE RETURNING TO A MORE NORMAL PACE.

>> COVID IS BEHIND US, GETTING THINGS BACK TO NORMAL.

AND BUSINESS AS USUAL.

>> JOHN SAYS MORE PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN PLANNING THEIR FUNERALS TO TAKE THE BURDEN FROM LOVED ONES.

>> OPENED A LOT OF PEOPLE'S EYES THAT LIFE IS FRAGILE.

YOU HEAR THE SAYING, HERE TODAY AND GONE TOMORROW, THERE'S A LOT OF TRUTH TO THAT.

PEOPLE STARTED TO GET THINGS IN ORDER.

ONE TO GET THEIR LIFE IN ORDER, ONE TO GET THINGS PLANNED OUT, AND WE'VE SEEN A BIG JUMP IN THE PREPAID FUNERAL PLANS.

>> IT MAKES THE PLANS TRANSFERABLE TO ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY.

>> SAYS SOMEONE TAKES OUT A PLAN HERE, AND THEIR CHILDREN LIVE IN FLORIDA, THEY DECIDE THEY WANT TO RETIRE AND LEAVE OKLAHOMA, GO TO FLORIDA WITH THE KIDS, THE DEATH OCCURS DOWN THERE, THE PLAN IS TRANSFERRED DOWN THERE.

>> PLANNING AHEAD CAN SAVE EMOTIONAL STRIFE AND COSTS.

>> I CAN'T AFFORD IT, OR I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ASSETS.

DOING THE ESTATE PLANNING IS MORE ECONOMICAL.

>>> THANK YOU.

IT'S CALLED THE OKLAHOMA CITY MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WEEK NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEARS, IT'S HELD IN THE SECOND WEEK OF OCTOBER EVERY YEAR.

SUSAN CADOT REPORTS ON THE DAYS OF LEARNING FOR MINORITY BUSINESS OWNER AND IS ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS.

>> I -- ALL MY RETIREMENT, MY HOME, BUT THIS IS MY DREAM.

>> HE IMMIGRATED FROM PERU TO OKLAHOMA 22 YEARS AGO.

HIS TRUE PASSION LAY ELSEWHERE.

>> I LOVE TO -- MY DREAM.

I'M PSYCHOLOGY, I WORK IN PSYCHOLOGY FOR 16, 17 YEARS RIGHT HERE.

BUT ALL THE TIME I DREAM OF WORKING IN WORKSHOP.

>> HE OPENED 66 AUTO CARE AND TIRES IN SOUTH OKC.

>> IT'S HARD.

YOU SAY I HAVE TOO MUCH OBSTACLES IN MY CAREER OF BUSINESS.

BUT I THINK, THE -- FOR ME IS THE -- >> ONE OF THE GREAT BARRIERS, IS ACCESS TO CAPITAL.

>> THIS YEAR SHE'S ALSO CHAIR OF OKLAHOMA CITY MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WEEK.

>> THE FUNDING IS NOT MEANT FOR EVERYONE.

SOMETIMES, YOU DON'T NEED IT.

>> WE HAVE A SERIES OF EVENTS IN THE WEEK, TOMORROW WE HOST AN EVENT WITH BLACK CHAMBER, FRESH START AND LEARN OF MORE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO GET TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

AND HEAD TO FREE HEAD SHOTS, AND ON WEDNESDAY, 1 MILLION -- WORK WITH DIFFERENT BUSINESS OWNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS.

BANKERS AND INVESTORS THERE.

IT WOULD BE A GOOD EVENT FOR NETWORKING.

>> I'VE BEEN A HAIR STYLIST FOR 20 YEARS.

AND WE HAVE GOTTEN A UNIQUE CONCEPT THAT WE STARTED A YEARS AGO.

>> IF YOUR MANE IS HARD TO TAME, THEY CAN HELP AND WE CAN ALL THANK PROGRESS OKC FOR THAT AGAIN.

THEY HELPED HER GET HER BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING.

>> IT'S FOR ANYONE WITH TEXTURE, WE'RE UTILIZING THE AIR TECHNOLOGY, A UNIQUE TOOL THAT SUCK IT IS HAIR UP.

LIKE A HAVE A -- VACUUM CLEANER.

YOU'RE A TRAIL BLAZERS FOR YEAR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.

AND OTHER RACES THEY RAISE THEIR CHILDREN THIS IS WHAT ENTREPRENEURSHIP LOOKS LIKE.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR CREDIT LOOKS LIKE, GOING TO THE BANK LOOKS LIKE.

BUT PEOPLE IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY ARE REALLY SURVIVING.

ME, IT WAS LEARNING FIRST, THE BASICS.

>> ONE OF THE BASICS OF EVERYONE WE SPOKE WITH WAS THE SPIRIT FROM THIS IMPORTANT EVENT CHAIR WOMAN -- >> MY COMMUNITY I WANT TO HELP THE PEOPLE THAT I LOVE FLOURISH.

>> TO THOSE FIGHTING FOR THEIR DREAMS.

>> WE NEED EACH OTHER.

IF WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER, WE CAN STAY ALIVE TOGETHER.

>> [INAUDIBLE].

AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN.

>> WITH ALL OF THE ORGANIZATIONS LENDING HELP AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WEEK EVENT, EVERY ENTREPRENEUR HAS HELPED TO START OR RESTART.

OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>> GREAT JOB, THANK YOU.

>>> ON THE SUBJECT OF BUSINESS, HERE'S OUR STATEWIDE WRAP UP OF ECONOMIC NEWS.

THE SUPPORT STAFF RETURNED SAFELY TO OKLAHOMA AFTER TWO WEEKS IN FLORIDA HELPING TO RESTORE POWER TO THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE IAN.

THE LINEMEN WORKED 16 HOUR SHIFTS TO REPAIR FALLEN POWER LINES.

THE CREWS ARRIVED IN TAMPA AHEAD OF THE LAND FALL.

TO AID OKLAHOMA RANCHERS AND FARMERS, THE EXTENSION IS REDUCING THE FEES TO THE END OF THE YEAR FOR TESTING LIVESTOCK WATER, FORGE, FEED AND SOIL FOR TOXICSY.

THE 2022 OKLAHOMA STATED FAIR, COMPLETED THE REPORT.

900,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED.

75% OF THEM OKLAHOMAENS.

25% OF THEM FROM OUT OF TOWN.

THE FAIR GENERATED $104 MILLION OF DIRECT SPENDING INTO THE OKLAHOMA CITY ECONOMY.

IN OKLAHOMA, A CITY HOTEL IS RECOGNIZED WITH THE READER'S CHOICE AWARD.

FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, MAKING THE LIST.

THE SIXTH BEST IN THE MIDWEST.

IT'S BEEN AN ICONIC PART OF THE DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY SINCE 1911.

SOUTHERN ROCK ENERGY PARTNERS, NARROWED -- THE REFINERY DOWN TO TWO SITES.

THE COMPANY SAYS THE PLAN SUPPORTS 423 FULL-TIME JOBS AND REDUCES 95% OF GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND PRODUCING TRANSPORTATION FUELS.

THE OPERATING PARTNER OF THE YOUTH PROJECT.

THE $118 MILLION PROJECT CLUES FOUR NEW YOUTH CENTERS AND FUND FOR THE OPERATIONS AND LONG TERM MAINTENANCE.

THIS IS THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> IN THE COMING WEEKS, OUR IN-DEPTH SEGMENT IS DEVOTED TO INTERVIEWING THE CANDIDATES.

THE INTERVIEWS ARE 50 MINUTES IN LENGTH AND CONDUCTED SEPARATELY.

SUSAN CADOT BEGINS WITH INDEPENDENT -- >> WE'LL JUMP IN WITH THE DOCTOR, RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA I THINK YOU HAVE A LOT TO SAY.

>> I THINK I DO.

>> I AM SO PLEASED TO MEET YOU AND THANKS TO COMING TO THE STUDIOS.

FIRST OF ALL, I'D LIKE YOU TO TELL US A QUICK BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

>> I'M A -- FOR MOST OF MY CAREER.

I MOVED TO OKLAHOMA CITY FROM TAIWAN WHEN I WAS 4 YEAR OLD.

AM I PARENTS ARE CHINAS.

-- CHINESE.

I'VE LIVED IN THREE HOMES IN NORTH OKLAHOMA CITY OVER MY ENTIRE LIFE, WITHIN A MILE AND A HALF OF EACH OTHER.

>> THIS IS YOUR HOME.

>> YES.

I WENT TO -- OU FOR UNDERGRAD.

MED SCHOOL AT OW,OU -- OU.

>> AND THE STATE SENATOR, YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN POLITICS AND NOW YOU'VE DECIDED TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR.

>> RECENTLY, I WAS DISAPPOINTED IN THE STATE'S RESPONSE TO COVID.

THAT WAS THE FIRST.

BUT SINCE THEN, MANY OTHER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED.

REGARDING THE TRIBES, REGARDING THE RO V WADE OVERTURNED.

THAT'S WHEN I DECIDED WE NEED TO CHANGE.

WE NEED TO CHANGE, AND I THINK THAT OKLAHOMAENS WANT A CHANGE.

SO I DECIDED TO RUN AND I WAS REPUBLICAN.

BUT ABOUT A YEAR AGO I SWITCHED TO INDEPENDENT, I WAS GETTING WEEKLY E-MAILS FROM THE STATE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND I THINK THE NATIONAL PARTY DID THIS TOO, SAYING, IF YOU'RE A REAL REPUBLICAN YOU'RE ALWAYS AGAINST ANY SORT OF EVEN TEMPORARY MASK MANDATE, AND NUMBER TWO, YOU'RE ALSO AGAINST ANY VACCINE MANDATE.

AND NUMBER THREE, IF YOU'RE A REAL REPUBLICAN, YOU BELIEVE THAT DONALD TRUMP WON THE ELECTION.

AND I SAY NO, NO, NO.

WE CURRENTLY HAVE MANDATES FOR EMPLOYEES AT THE HOSPITAL.

WE HAVE A FLU VACCINE MANDATE.

THE STATE FAILED.

>> IT SEEMS TO YOU SOME COMMON SENSE THINGS WERE MISSING.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AND SCIENCE.

SCIENCE.

>> MY NEXT QUESTION IS, AT THIS POINT AND TIME, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING OKLAHOMA AND HER CITIZENS RIGHT NOW?

>> I THINK IT'S THREE ISSUES.

ONE, IS THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V WADE.

WE HAVE THE STRICTEST ABORTION BAN IN THE COUNTRY AND THAT'S NOT GOOD FOR OKLAHOMA.

WE HAVE TO FIX EDUCATION.

A LOT OF CANDIDATES LIKE TO SAY THEY'LL FIX EDUCATION AND NOTHING HAPPENS.

OUR CURRENT GOVERNOR HAS BEEN THERE ALMOST FOUR YEARS.

>> A PAY RAISE, NO, THE LEGISLATURE VOTED FOR A TEACHER PAY RAISE.

AN INCREASE OF TAXES TO DO THAT.

WHO VOTED FOR THAT BILL?

I DID, AS A STATE SENATOR.

I'M THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT.

THE WAY WE FUND EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA, IS BASED PARTLY ON TAXES.

IF THEY HAVE OIL AND GAS RIGHT NOW, THEY HAVE NO TROUBLE FUNDING EDUCATION.

WE NEED TO MAKE THE MONEY AVAILABLE, MORE EQUITABLE SO THE STUDENT IN PO DUNK OKLAHOMA GETS JUST AS GOOD EDUCATION, YOUR EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE DEPENDENT ON WHAT ZIP CODE YOU LIVE.

AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO FIX EDUCATION BY WORRYING ABOUT CRT TALKING ABOUT IN SCHOOL.

I DON'T THINK IT IS.

I DON'T THINK WE'LL FIX EDUCATION BY WORRYING ABOUT WHAT BATHROOM A KID WILL GO TO.

OR FIX IT BY WORRYING WHETHER IT'S A GIRL OR BOY PLAYING A SPORT.

>> I'LL FOLLOW UP ON THAT.

THAT'S ONE OF MY QUESTIONS, IT MAY NOT FIX EDUCATION, ARE THOSE IMPORTANT ISSUES TO YOU OR IMPORTANT TO THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA OR SOMETHING THAT'S A SECONDARY?

>> I DON'T THINK IT'S THAT IMPORTANT FOR THE EDUCATION.

AND THE SCHOOL VOUCHERS, I'M OPPOSED TO SCHOOL VOUCHERS USED FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL.

I HAVE THREE OF OUR FIVE CHILDREN IN COLLEGE, THEY DID THAT ONLINE VIRTUAL LEARNING AND THEY ALL THREE HATED IT AND THOUGHT IT DIDN'T WORK.

>> HOW DO YOU THINK THAT GOT SO FAR DOWN THE ROAD?

>> SOMEONE WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION NOR NEGLECTING OR KNEW WHAT HAPPENED.

OR WHAT HAPPENED.

WHO WAS NOT PAYING ATTENTION?

I THINK IT WAS PROBABLY THE GOVERNOR, AND PROBABLY OUR STATE SUPERINTENDENT.

THOSE ARE TWO OF MY OPPONENTS IN THIS RACE.

>> SO, LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS RACE.

THE POLLS I'M LOOKING AT THE POLLS, THEY'RE ALL ABOUT -- THERE'S NOT A MENTION.

SO AT THIS POINT, WHAT'S GOING THROUGH YOUR HEAD AND FRANKLY WHY YOU'RE STAYING IN THE RACE.

>> THEY'RE PUSH POLLS AND BY DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS.

THEY'RE NOT SUBJECTIVE OR UNBIASED.

I GOT A POLL TWO NIGHTS AGO FROM A RESPECTED POLLING COMPANY.

THE E-MAIL SAYS WE'RE UNBIASED, AND NONPARTISAN, AND I FILLED IT OUT.

I SAID I WAS INDEPENDENT, AND I WAS GOING TO VOTE AND I WILL VOTE FOR IRVIN -- THEY MISSPELLED MY NAME.

WHEN I CLICKED SUBMIT, IT SAID, I COULD NOT BE A PART OF THIS SURVEY.

WHY WOULD THAT BE?

I'M A REGISTERED INDEPENDENT?

BECAUSE I VOTED FOR IRVIN -- THAT'S NOT RIGHT.

THERE'S SOMETHING GOING ON.

OKLAHOMAENS ARE SICK AND TIRED OFFAR RIGHT AND FAR LEFT EXTREMISM.

410,000.

FOUR YEARS AGO IN THE MIDTERM ELECTION, 1.1, OR 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE VOTED.

THIS YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V WADE, I SUSPECT MORE ARE GOING TO VOTE.

I DON'T NEED 50% TO WIN.

I ONLY NEED ONE MORE VOTE THAN THE SECOND PLACE PERSON.

AND THAT COULD BE 34%.

NOW, YOU KNOW WHAT 34% OF 1.1 OR 1.2 MILLION IS 430,000.

AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE 410,000 REGISTERED INDEPENDENTS.

ALL WE HAVE TO GET IS A FEW MODERATE REPUBLICAN VOTES AND DEMOCRATIC VOTES AND WE CAN DO THAT AND THAT'S HOW WE'LL WIN AND WE'RE GOING TO.

>> WE HAVE A FEW MINUTES LEFT, I WANT TO JUMP IN THE ABORTION ISSUE.

BIG ISSUE.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?

>> WE HAVE TO FIX THIS.

WE'RE NOT GOING TO ATTRACT FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES HERE.

WE HAVE TO GET RID OF THE STRICTEST ABORTION BAN.

WE SEND IT TO A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE.

IF THE LEGISLATURE WON'T DO IT, WHICH WHY WOULDN'T THEY?

IF YOU'RE A STATE SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE.

WE GET THE SIGNATURES AND WE DO IT.

IN THE MEANTIME, UNTIL WE DO THAT, WE MAKE SURE THAT SEXUALLY ACTIVE WOMEN AND THEIR PARTNERS HAVE READY ACCESS TO THE MORNING AFTER PILL.

AND AT NO CHARGE.

AS A TAXPAYER, I WOULD RATHER PAY FOR THAT IN THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE PREGNANCY.

THAT THEY CAN'T HANDLE.

AND NUMBER TWO, THE WOMEN WHO DO WANT TO TERMINATE THE PREGNANCY, I SHOULD HAVE NO SAY OR THE GOVERNMENT.

THEY HAVE ACCESS TO TRAVEL TO ANOTHER STATE TO BE ACCOMPLISHED LEGALLY AND SAFELY.

THE LAST THING, THE COURTS LOOK AT THIS.

NOT ALL RELIGIONS BELIEVE LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION.

THE STRICTEST ABORTION BAN IN THE COUNTRY.

>> DO YOU BELIEVE THERE'S A CUT OFF PERIOD WHERE ABORTION IS ALLOWED THOUGH IN THE TERM OF A PREGNANCY?

>> IF WE PUT THIS TO A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE I THINK WE WRITE THE BILL IN A MANNER IT'LL PASS.

AND I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE THAT A WOMAN HAS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER.

I DON'T BELIEVE LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION.

WHY?

I'VE BEEN A CARDIAC ANESTHESIOLOGIST -- I'VE TAKEN PATIENTS AND YOU TELL ME WHEN THE THE DONOR OF THE ORGANS BECOME THE DONOR.

EVEN THOUGH TECHNICALLY, YES, THEY'RE ALIVE.

THEY HAVE A BLOOD PRESSURE AND THE HEART IS WORKING.

A FERTILIZED WE GO DOES NOT HAVE BRAIN WAVES, DOESN'T HAVE BRAIN ACTIVITY BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAVE A BRAIN.

>> I'VE NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT.

I'VE NEVER HEARD OF -- >> REMEMBER, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A MODERATE.

WHEN I WAS A REPUBLICAN, I VOTED AGAINST STRICT ABORTION BILL.

ANTIABORTION BILLS AND THAT GOT ME ON THE FRONT PAGE OF U.S.A. TODAY AND THE HEADLINE NEWS.

GOOGLE SENATOR YEN CALLS BILL INSANE.

AND YOU'LL FIND IT.

>> OKAY, I'LL DO THAT.

MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE SAID THAT.

YEAH, I SHOULD, IT'S TRUE.

YOU CAN'T PASS BACK THEN, A LAW THAT IS AGAINST ROE V WADE.

IT'LL BE OVERTURNED BY THE FIRST COURT IT GOES TO.

THANKFULLY, THAT BILL, GETS -- VETOED IT.

IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO END THE INTERVIEW OF THE COMMENTS ABOUT ENERGY -- >> YEAH, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT GLOBAL WARMING IS HAPPENING.

AND I USED TO NOT THINK THIS, BUT NOW I'M THINKING WHAT MAN HAS BEEN DOING IS CONTRIBUTING TO THAT.

ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO SLOW THAT DOWN IS GREAT.

HAVING MORE RENEWABLES IN THE STATE IS GREAT.

I'M FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF OIL AND GAS.

WE'LL BE RELIANT ON THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY FOR A LONG LONG TIME.

YOU HAVE RENEWABLES AND SAY, MANUFACTURE ELECTRIC CARS THAT DOESN'T MEAN MAGICALLY ALL THE GAS CARS WILL DISAPPEAR.

SO, HERE'S WHAT I'D LIKE TO END WITH.

PLEASE GO OUT AND VOTE, AGAIN, WE DON'T NEED 50% OF THE VOTE TO WIN.

I NEED ALL OF OKLAHOMAENS TO SHOW UP TO VOTE.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN OKLAHOMA HISTORY THAT WE HAVE A CHANCE TO ELECT AN INDEPENDENT TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

NOT SOMEONE WHO'S BEHOLDEN TO THE FAR RIGHT OR FAR LEFT.

WE CAN DO THIS WITH 420,000 VOTES.

SO, INDEPENDENTS WILL NOT BE A SWING VOTE THIS YEAR TO HELP A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN.

THAT'LL BE A MANDATE TO THE LEGISLATURE THAT OKLAHOMAENS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THIS FAR RIGHT AND FAR LEFT BICKERING.

LET'S DO WHAT MOST WANT WITH THE ISSUES THAT ARE IN THE MIDDLE.

HAVE VIEWERS CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA, SOCIAL MEDIA IS EXPLODING RIGHT NOW.

THERE'S OVER -- ALMOST 400,000 PEOPLE LOOKING AT OUR POSTS.

AND 400,000 PEOPLE, CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

>> IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU AND GET TO KNOW YOU BETTER.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME, TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND INSIGHTS WITH NOT ONLY US AND OKLAHOMA.

>> THANK YOU.

APPRECIATE IT.

>>> GREAT CONVERSATION.

THE SEASON FOR EVERYTHING PUMPKIN PIE, SPICE, JACK ON LAP TENURE.

OCTOBER IS THE MONTH FOR PUMPKINS TO SHINE.

WE HAD SOUTHWEST OF CHICAGO WHERE OUR PBS PARTNERS REPORT ON THE GIANT PUMPKIN WEIGH IN AND ONLY ONE CAN TRULY BE CALLED THE GREATEST.

>> I AM KEVIN AND WELCOME TO OUR PUMPKIN FARM.

THE GIANT PUMPKIN WEIGH OFF.

OUR FARM IS 160 YEARS OLD, AND WE STARTED GROWING PUMPKINS -- IT'S REALLY COOL.

THE TIME IT TAKES TO GROW THESE THINGS IS INCREDIBLE.

>> WE'RE WEIGHING SMALLEST TO BIGGEST.

MEASUREMENTS.

IN ILLINOIS PROBABLY MAYBE TEN TO 15 SERIOUS COMPETITIVE GROWERS.

AND IT VARIES YEAR TO YEAR.

A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL DROP OUT AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS IF THERE'S NOT SUCCESS.

THERE'S NO GUARANTEES WHEN IT COMES TO GROWING GIANT PUMPKINS.

THIS IS MAYBE HALF OF WHAT THE WORLD'S RECORD WOULD BE.

>> GO TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH, I HAD TO GET THE BIGGEST THEY HAD.

>> THE BIGGEST.

SO I GOT MY PUMPKIN AND JOE'S -- >> I WAS SHOOTING FOR 1300, BUT YOU CAN'T GET TOO GREEDY.

>> LAST PUMPKIN TO BE WEIGHED IS MINE.

WE'LL SEE IN A MINUTE.

CAME DOWN TO THE NITTY-GRITTY.

CRUNCH TIME.

HERE WE GO BULLPEN -- HERE WE GO.

THAT'S IT.

IT IS WHAT IT IS.

I'M OFF BY 50 POUND.

THAT'S ONE GOOD DAY OF GROWING IN JULY, OR AUGUST.

>> ANOTHER YEAR.

>> THAT'S IT.

>> THERE'S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR.

>> FAIR AND SQUARE.

>>> WE'LL LEAVE YOU TO WANT WITH A LOOK AT THE -- TONIGHT WITH A LOOK AT THE FESTIVAL IN NORMAN.

IN YOU ENJOY WATCHING OUR NEWSCAST, TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

THE FOR ALL OF US HERE AT OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

STAY WELL AND STAY TUNED TO OETA.

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