Published May 14, 2021 at 6:00 AM CDT Listen • 26:55
This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU s Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney about the growing controversy over Governor Stitt signing a bill to ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory in Oklahoma schools, lawmakers considering recommendation of a grand jury investigation for Epic Virtual Charter School and Congressman Cole working on legislation allowing the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations to compact with the state over criminal jurisdiction.
The trio also discusses the state allowing kids between the ages of 12 and 15 to get the Pfizer Coronavirus vaccine and what to expect in the final two weeks of the 2021 legislative session.
Epic Virtual Charter School agrees to a settlement with the state. (KOSU)
Oklahoma’s population grows by 5.5% in the new census. (NewsOK)
State’s Provisional Death Count increases to 8,229. (KOSU)
Oklahoma joins in on approval of reusing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (KOSU)
Health Department names fourth state epidemiologist since pandemic began. (NewsOK)
Governor Stitt signs three major anti-abortion bills. (KOSU)
Stitt also signs bills dealing with guns and closing churches. (NewsOK)
New sweeping changes to the state’s HR program become law. (NewsOK)
Democrats file formal complaints against a Broken Arrow Republican Senator. (Tulsa World)
Tulsa sheriff defends speaking at event attended by conspiracy theorists. (Tulsa World)
Published April 16, 2021 at 9:00 AM CDT Listen • 27:03
This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU s Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a move by Epic Virtual Charter School to increase transparency of its funding ahead of a termination hearing, Tulsa Public Schools enters legal action against the State Board of Education in its move to put more money into charter school and the State Republican Party elects controversial former lawmaker John Bennett as its chair.
The trio also discusses a warning from the NCAA about the organization pulling sports events if lawmakers follow through on a bill to ban transgender athletes from certain woman s teams and new bills could help reduce skyrocketing utility costs from February s winter storms.
Published March 26, 2021 at 6:00 AM CDT Listen • 23:59
This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU s Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and sitting in for Ryan Kiesel is Democratic State Representative Forrest Bennett about the state of Oklahoma moving into phase four of its vaccination plan allowing all residents over the age of 16 to get inoculated against the coronavirus, Epic Virtual Charter School fails to repay the state $11.2M by a deadline set earlier this week and Attorney General Mike Hunter appointing a special counsel to investigate the Pardon and Parole Board.
The trio also discusses State Senator Shane Jett hiring his cousin as his legislative session before firing her once questioned by a reporter and a legislative deadline results in the stalling of more than 70% of bills at the State Capitol.