KOSU
Opioid Case Against Johnson & Johnson Is In The Hands Of Oklahoma Judge
By Jackie Fortier • 15 hours ago
After a seven-week trial, a judge in Oklahoma is now considering whether Johnson & Johnson should be held responsible for the state's opioid epidemic.
The lawsuit, which is the first of its kind to play out in court, alleges Johnson & Johnson helped ignite the opioid crisis with aggressive marketing, leading to thousands of overdose deaths. The state is asking for more than $17 billion.
Changes Coming Next Month For Medical Marijuana In Oklahoma
By Brooklynn LiCastro • Jul 12, 2019
Changes to Oklahoma's medical marijuana program will go into effect on August 29th, following new regulations passed by lawmakers earlier this year.
Food License Grace Period Ending For Some Oklahoma CBD, Marijuana Businesses
By Lenora LaVictoire • Apr 29, 2019
The grace period for medical marijuana and CBD businesses making or selling food products without a food license ends Friday, April 26.
Edibles like infused waters, brownies and candies are popular items at many medical marijuana and CBD businesses. The Oklahoma State Department of Health considers them all food products, and, under state law, anyone who makes or sells food has to get a license.
Oklahoma Drug and Mental Health Courts Could Get More Funding Under New Bill
By Quinton Chandler • Mar 19, 2019
Millions of dollars to make more room in the state's drug courts, mental health courts, and community sentencing programs could be a possibility under a bill now being considered by the Oklahoma Senate.
Governor Signs Agency Bills, Medical Marijuana "Unity Bill" Passes & Texas Teacher Pay Raises
By Michael Cross, Neva Hill & Ryan Kiesel • Mar 18, 2019
This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt signing legislation restructuring the boards and commissions of five state agencies and giving him power to hire and fire the agency heads, the "Unity Bill" on medical marijuana passes the legislature and heads to the governor's desk and Governor Stitt calls on the State Auditor to investigate the Oklahoma Health Care Authority in regard to Medicaid.
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Businesses May Need Food Licenses
By Jackie Fortier • Feb 20, 2019
Oklahoma medical marijuana and CBD businesses may need an $850 dollar food license.
Foods infused with CBD or THC, like oils, candy or honey are popular choices at dispensaries. Now the Oklahoma State Department of Health, which runs the state's medical marijuana program, is reminding businesses that sell or manufacture those products that they need a food license by late April, or risk fines.
Constitutional Carry Passes, Medical Marijuana Sales & The Last Mile
By Michael Cross, Neva Hill & Ryan Kiesel • Feb 19, 2019
This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the passage in the House of a bill allowing anyone over the age of 21 to carry a gun without a license or training, the State of Oklahoma loses 30,000 teachers in just five years and medical marijuana sales exceed $4M in January.
30,000 Oklahoma Teachers Have Left Profession In Six Years, Report Says
By Emily Wendler • Feb 13, 2019
A new report from the Oklahoma State Department of Education shows 30,000 teachers have left the profession over the past six years.
The report seeks to explain what's driving the state's persistent teacher shortage while offering the agency's recommendations on how to stem it.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Chief Rejects Free Press Protections
By Caroline Halter • Jan 9, 2019
Muscogee (Creek) Nation recently repealed a 2015 law guaranteeing freedom of the press. The tribe backtracked just before the new year, but free press proponents suffered another setback late Friday when Principal Chief James Floyd vetoed legislation that would have restored the independence of tribally-funded Mvskoke Media.
Governor Fallin Commutes Sentences Of 21 Nonviolent Offenders
By Quinton Chandler • Dec 16, 2018
Twenty-one people were released from state prisons Wednesday after Gov. Mary Fallin commuted their sentences for drug-related crimes.
Oklahoma Ranks Near The Bottom In Child Health Insurance Rate
By Jackie Fortier • Dec 2, 2018
After a decade of improvement, a new study suggests the rate of uninsured children is increasing in Oklahoma.
Some Oklahoma School Support Staffers Work Extra Jobs Just To Keep Up
By editor • Oct 23, 2018
Carla Burton wakes up every weekday at 4 a.m. to drive Lyft and Uber.
Then, after she drives for about an hour and a half in the early hours, she heads back home to get her daughter ready for school.
At 7 a.m., Burton starts her "real job" as an administrative assistant at Star Spencer High School in Oklahoma City.
When her workday ends in the afternoon, she picks up her daughter from school. Then she hits the road again, sometimes driving as late as midnight.
"I have to be out here doing this," she said.
State Employees Group To File Lawsuit Against Oklahoma Health Department
By Jackie Fortier • Oct 17, 2018
The largest group representing state government workers is preparing to sue the Oklahoma State Department of Health for $3 million on behalf of 161 former employees laid off during a financial crisis.
In November 2017, health department officials reported a sudden budget shortfall that led to the layoffs of nearly 200 employees and an emergency infusion from lawmakers of $30 million to help the agency stay solvent.
Church Leaders On Guard As Faith Follows Politics In Oklahoma
By Kurt Gwartney • Sep 13, 2018
Oklahoma's claim to the buckle of the Bible belt is widely accepted as true. But when it comes to faith and voting, new research shows more residents are letting their political values influence the church they choose.
At a recent weekly Sunday morning donut hour at Faith United Methodist Church in Tulsa, people are busy talking about the start of school and the college football season while getting their weekly dose of juice, coffee and donuts.