State

Oklahoma divided

Results from Oklahoma’s Nov. 6 elections reflect a divide between urban and rural counties.

Results from Oklahoma’s Nov. 6 elections caused emotions to stir across a state that ushered in new governor Kevin Stitt and turned representation in Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district over to a Democrat for the first time in 43 years.

By Nazarene Harris Nov 16, 2018

Kevin Stitt Oklahoma Oklahoma City elections University of Central Oklahoma Louis Furmanski Drew Edmondson Oklahoma Education Association Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Michael Kelsey

Smooth voting

While other areas of the country faced long lines and technical errors, Oklahoma and Cleveland counties saw few Election Day problems.

Election officials are pleased with yesterday’s smooth operations at polling sites.

By Miguel Rios Nov 7, 2018

Giving tree

A new program transforms an old shelter into a one-stop-shop for parents working toward family reunification.

Nicole Lopez is no longer the perfect wife of her soon-to-be ex-husband.

By Nazarene Harris Oct 24, 2018

Nicole Lopez Pauline Mayer Children’s Shelter Oklahoma City Department of Human Services DHS Casey White Family Tree NorthCare OU Physicians Fostering Hope Clinic University of Oklahoma’s Center on Child Abuse and Neglect Court Appointed Special Advocates of Oklahoma County CASA Georgeann Duty Deb Shropshire

Essential testing

Work is being done to force Oklahoma to test more than 7,000 untested rape kits.

Sexual assault advocates say the revelation that thousands of rape kits have been left untested in Oklahoma is serving as a catalyst for reform within a state that is finally joining a national movement towards justice for victims.

By Nazarene Harris Oct 17, 2018

Kay Floyd Mary Fallin backlog untested rape kits rape kits rape Oklahoma Danielle Tudor sexual assault domestic violence Joyful Heart Mariska Hargitay YWCA DNA testing

Sonic sale

With the sale of Sonic Corp. to Inspire Brands, Oklahomans hold tight to their memories and the beloved ice.

On Sept. 25, Oklahoma City-based Sonic Corp. officials announced the sale of their company and its more than 3,600 Sonic Drive-In locations to Inspire Brands Inc., owners of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, for $2.3 billion.

By Nazarene Harris Oct 2, 2018

Sonic Corp. Inspire Brands Arby's Buffalo Wild Wings Christi Woodworth Jill Johnston Luker Jonathan Fowler Sonic Sonic ice Phil Cross Makayla Smith Carrie Underwood Troy Smith Bob Blackburn Oklahoma Historical Society Dollie Smith Leslie Baugh Troy Smith Jr. Rusty Taco

Homesick

Eight-year-old Elijah Muhammed’s letter, written while in DHS custody, sheds light on visitation policies.

Oklahoma parents found it hard to ignore a letter 8-year-old Elijah Muhammed left for his grandmother before he ran away in July.

By Nazarene Harris Sep 19, 2018

Elijah Muhammed Oklahoma County Jail Oklahoma Department of Human Services DHS Foster care visitation

Buyer beware

With few regulations surrounding the safety of medical marijuana in Oklahoma, business insiders advise buyers to use discretion.

Medical marijuana regulations rolled out by the state health department in July were met with heavy pushback from the community at large and caused Gov. Mary Fallin to call for revisions and set forth emergency rules on Aug. 1.

By Nazarene Harris Sep 14, 2018

Can-Tek Labs CBD marijuana cannabidiol Hector Najar Herban Mother CBD Plus Wendy Hampton Tom Bates Medical Marijuana Working Group Greg McCortney Jon Echols Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority

Corporate intimidation

Oklahoma Corporation Commission employees claim Bob Anthony used intimidation to maintain his position.

There’s a common adage that where there’s smoke there’s fire.

By Nazarene Harris Sep 12, 2018

Oklahoma Corporation Commission harassment physical intimidation bigotry toxic work environment The Fidelis Group Bob Anthony Joe Briley Sandra Fendrych

Riding home

Arnall Family Foundation commits to donating $1 million to help parents visit their children in foster care.

It’s hard for Sheena Grayson to recount the night her children were taken away from her.

By Nazarene Harris Aug 30, 2018

Sheena Grayson Sue Ann Arnall Arnall Family Foundation Department of Human Services DHS foster care United Way of Central Oklahoma Lindsay Laird Sheree Powell transportation

Next episode

The new health department marijuana rules face legal challenges, but implementation will not be delayed.

Zig-Zag is the brand name of a well-known line of rolling papers, but it is also a term that could describe the sharp twists and turns in the ever-evolving saga of medical marijuana rule implementation that has unfurled since voters approved State Question 788 in June.

By Ben Luschen Aug 9, 2018

Oklahoma Board of Health medical marijuana Question 788 Chelsea Church Ron Durbin Green the Vote edible cannabis new rules SQ788 Chip Paul Max Walters Norma Sapp

Up to speed

In 2018, many Oklahomans still have limited internet access or cellphone connections.

In the quarter century since the internet first became available for most Americans and the two decades since average citizens started carrying cellphones, most users have learned to take the good with the bad.

By George Lang, Ben Luschen, Jeremy Martin and Jacob Threadgill Aug 3, 2018

internet connectivity internet BroadbandNow Pawnee County Pushmataha County Federal Communications Commission dead zone McKinsey & Company Economics & Statistics Administration U.S. Department of Commerce Federal Reserve Brian Whitacre Oklahoma University OSU Okemah Public Library Teresa Labbé Creek Nation Sprint FCC David Bergman Ohio Consumer Council broadband internet satellite internet Cox Communications AT&T Electronic Frontier Foundation Ernesto Falcon fiber internet Jameson Zimmer WISPs Wireless Internet Service Providers Wi-Fi technology

Finding reform

SQ788 brings decriminalization of possession to Oklahoma along with medical relief.

Lost in June’s eyebrow-raising voter turnout numbers for the approval of medical marijuana and the controversial amendments to the law added by the Oklahoma State Medical Board days later is much talk of the provisions for decriminalization of marijuana possession outlined in State Question 788.

By Ben Luschen Jul 27, 2018

Oklahoma Medical Board Question 788 SQ788 medical marijuana marijuana decriminalization marijuana decriminalization law enforcement Oklahoma City Police Department OCPD Chris Moe Uncle Grumpy YouTube Ball Morse Lowe Brian Jones marijuana possession Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals war on drugs Capt. Bo Mathews Bo Mathews cannabis Mary Fallin

Saving smoke

Two proposed state questions could offer the protection supporters of medical marijuana are looking for.

Regulatory actions following the June 26 approval of State Question 788, the Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, appear to be shrouded in a cloud of special interests and bureaucratic deliberation.

By Joshua Blanco Jul 25, 2018

Question 788 medical marijuana marijuana cannabis recreational marijuana Question 796 Question 797 SQ788 SQ796 SQ797 Isaac Caviness Green the Vote Norma Sapp NORML National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws Chad Moody Oklahoma Board of Health. Board of Health petition National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Cover: No smoke

Oklahoma’s 788 proponents and medical community come to grips with what’s next following controversial marijuana restrictions.

Medical marijuana activists were dealt a blow when the Oklahoma State Board of Health added amendments not written in the final draft of emergency regulations submitted to the board.

By Ben Luschen, Jacob Threadgill and George Lang Jul 20, 2018

medical marijuana Oklahoma Board of Health smokable marijuana marijuana pharmacists Oklahoma Health Department Mary Fallin Oklahoma Cannabis Trade Association Chip Paul Oklahomans for Health Timothy Starkey R. Murali Krishna Jenny Alexopulous Charles E. Skillings Terry Gerard II Cleveland County District Court Megan Dedmon Wild Woman Wellness Yukon SQ797 SQ788 Ray Jennings THC Comanche County Memorial Hospital Scott Michener Lawton cannabis COPD chronic obtrusive pulmonary disorder lung cancer CBD Controlled Substances Act of 1970 Drug Enforcement Administration DEA U.S. Department of Justice John Kasich Mercy Health Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City Jim Gebhart SSM Health Medical Group St. Anthony hospital Question 788 Integris Health Brooke Cayot Oklahoma Health Department Emergency Rules

Next Issue: A closer look at how medical marijuana will go into effect

P. 4 Oklahoma Gazette speaks to the medical community and proponents of State Question 788 to find out what’s next after the Oklahoma State Department of Health released its emergency rules for the implementation of medical marijuana.

By Gazette staff Jul 18, 2018

Help needed

Oklahoma’s long-term care facilities are in need of surveyors and ombudsman volunteers.

Last year, Oklahoma long-term care facility surveyors conducted around 3,000 inspections across the state.

By Ben Luschen Jul 12, 2018

long-term care nursing homes Oklahoma Department of Health Mike Cook Tom Bates health surveyors nursing medicine health care Oklahoma Department of Human Services long-term care ombudsman ombudsman ombudsman volunteer William Whited

In the air

Debate over medical marijuana regulations ensues as a special legislative session appears unlikely.

For months, there was talk that if State Question 788 won majority support from voters, Oklahoma lawmakers would need to go into special session to set up regulatory framework governing how a medical marijuana program would function in the state.

By Ben Luschen Jul 11, 2018

Question 788 SQ788 medical marijuana marijuana Gov. Mary Fallin Oklahoma Health Department Chip Paul Oklahomans for Health Oklahoma Cannabis Trade Association Can-Tek Labs Chance Gilbert Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Chris Moe New Health Solutions Oklahoma Bud Scott

Not last

Supporters and advocates cheer as Oklahoma becomes the 30th state to legalize medicinal marijuana.

When Yes on 788 officially declared victory on election night, a joyful cheer rang throughout 51st Street Speakeasy, where hundreds gathered indoors and out for an official watch party.

By Ben Luschen Jul 6, 2018

Yes on 788 SQ788 medical marijuana marijuana 51st Street Speakeasy Prohibition Mike Huckeby Huckwheat Sativa Prophets U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration opioid Drew House Blake Dowell Reefer Madness Jed Green Chip Paul Oklahomans for Health

Split decision

Freedom Oklahoma parts ways with executive director Troy Stevenson amid social media heat

In early June, Troy Stevenson wrote a Facebook post celebrating the fact that a group from Oklahoma County Republican Party had committed to marching in this year’s OKC Pride Parade.

By Ben Luschen Jul 4, 2018

Troy Stevenson Facebook social media Oklahoma County Republican Party LGBTQ+ LGBTQ LGBT gay OKC Pride Freedom Oklahoma politics Daren Ward Lori Honeycutt Brett Baldwin

Speaking up

Outrage over family-separating immigration policies leads to renewed local advocacy.

Michelle Stearnes was unable to attend a rally earlier in the week outside of U.S. Sen. James Lankford’s Oklahoma City office, but she could not let the week go by without being heard.

By Ben Luschen Jun 29, 2018

Michelle Stearnes James Lankford immigration Mexico Vigil for Immigration Justice New Sanctuary Movement religion U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Donald Trump Jim Inhofe HollyAnne Weaver Holy Spirit Eastern Christian Church (Orthodox) Jeff Sessions Dream Action Oklahoma DAOK DACA Serena Prammanasudh Keep Families Together Rally March On Oklahoma Black Lives Matter OKC Indivisible Oklahoma

Getting credit

Removed OU professor John Scamehorn paid his way into the local film community.

It was early 2016 and Oklahoma City filmmaker Nick Sanford was unsure of whether his movie’s Kickstarter campaign was going to reach its funding goal.

By Ben Luschen Jun 28, 2018

John Scamehorn Pax Masculina film movies University of Oklahoma Nick Sanford The Harvesters Kickstarter Rebecca Bartlett Oklahoma Film + Music Office Film Enrichment Rebate Program Hells Belle Cait Brasel Terry Spears Mickey Reece’s Alien Mickey Reece Jacob Leighton Burns Jacob Burns Electric Nostalgia

Hemp history

Oklahoma’s State Question 788 is preceded by a lengthy history of demonization and criminalization

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series examining cannabis and cannabinoids in Oklahoma leading up to the June 26 medical marijuana referendum.

By George Lang Jun 27, 2018

cannabis CBD marijuana medical marijuana SQ788 history Chip Paul Francis Burton Harrison Fred Ulsher Mexico Reefer Madness GnuPharma Oklahomans for Health

Primary preview

Tuesday’s primary elections feature plenty of intriguing races to coincide with increased public interest.

It is not difficult to find something to get excited about this primary season in Oklahoma. With a major state question in play, a logjam of candidates in the gubernatorial primaries, numerous state House and Senate seat openings and remnants of political tension from the April teacher walkout underscoring it all, intrigue is not lacking this election cycle.

By Ben Luschen Jun 22, 2018

elections voting primaries Bill Shapard SoonerPoll Mary Fallin Republicans Democrats Question 788 teacher walkout Christopher Barnett Mick Cornett Dan Fisher Eric Foutch Barry Gowdy Gary Jones Todd Lamb Gary Richardson Blake “Cowboy” Stephens Kevin Stitt Drew Edmondson Constance Johnson Joe Exotic Joseph Maldonado Rex Lawhorn Chris Powell Mike Hunter Gentner Drummond attorney general Angela Bonilla Cathy Costello Mark Costello Leslie Osborn Keith Swinton Melissa McLawhorn Houston Sam A. Mis-soum Fred Dorrell Brandt Dismukes Mark Myles

MARIJUANA ‘Release the Kraken’

Yes on 788 goes into its final week pushing a ‘get out the vote’ effort on medical marijuana.

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series examining cannabis and cannabinoids in Oklahoma leading up to the June 26 medical marijuana referendum.

By George Lang Jun 21, 2018

Question 788 Jed Green SQ788 Oklahoma medical marijuana

Open minds

New Juneteenth education requirements are intended to broaden diversity education.

Anastasia Pittman did not ask for her Mother of Reconciliation label, but she certainly owned it.

By Ben Luschen Jun 15, 2018

Anastasia Pittman Juneteenth Metro Technology Centers racism diversity slavery Levi Pettit Emancipation Proclamation John Paul Jordan Gary Stanislawski Department of Education Juanita Kidd Stout education Joseph Jacob Simmons Long Road to Liberty

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Re: Cover: In Oklahoma, where one in eight adults turns to payday loans, are alternative financial services the best deal for Oklahomans?

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