70,000 Oklahoma Children Without Health Insurance, Many Could Qualify for SoonerCare
In Oklahoma, a recent Medicare expansion has made more children eligible for SoonerCare, aiming to address the issue of approximately 70,000 uninsured kids in the state. It’s estimated that about half of these could qualify for coverage. Many parents are unaware their children may be eligible even if they themselves are not due to different qualification thresholds based on household size and income. Efforts by health advocates and organizations like the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy have led to over 81,000 new enrollments from February 2023 to February 2024. These efforts include distributing informational pamphlets across rural counties and emphasizing the importance of regular healthcare access through insurance to prevent costly emergency visits and treatments.
Source: 70,000 Oklahoma children are without health insurance, many could qualify for SoonerCare
Science Museum Oklahoma: Fun for Families
Science Museum Oklahoma offers a galaxy of fun for families, combining science, space, aviation, and culture into an eight-acre adventure. With interactive exhibits and thousands of artifacts, it caters to all ages and interests. Highlights include the Kirkpatrick Planetarium, Science Live demonstrations, and CurioCity’s explorative play area. Admission is affordable with discounts available; the museum operates daily but closes on major holidays. It’s an ideal destination for those eager to dive into scientific discovery in a family-friendly environment.
Source: Science Museum Oklahoma: A Galaxy of Fun for Families citynewsokc.com
The Oklahoma Innovation Conference & Expo Innovation Day
The Oklahoma Innovation Conference & Expo, set for April 9-10, 2024, aims to unite innovators and industry leaders in a collaborative effort to shape the state’s future. This two-day event hosted by OCAST at various prestigious locations in Oklahoma City encourages forging connections between brilliant minds and audacious ideas. Participants will have the opportunity to champion innovation, foster collaboration, and ignite Oklahoma’s future through engaging conferences and an expo.
Source: Innovation Day
Oklahoma Treasurer Bans Bank Over ESG Policy
The Oklahoma State Treasurer has expanded its blacklist, adding a major bank for boycotting the fossil fuel industry. This follows a 2022 law preventing state agencies and local governments from contracting with companies that do not support the fossil fuel sector. While some financial institutions face significant business losses, opposition arises from local governments and state pension fund administrators concerned about increased costs and fiduciary responsibilities. Despite objections, Oklahoma persists in penalizing firms avoiding fossil fuel investments, reflecting strong anti-ESG sentiment among proponents of this policy.
Source: Oklahoma Treasurer Bans Additional Bank From State Business Due to ESG Policy
Lien Filed Against Heartland Theme Park in Oklahoma
A groundbreaking for the Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, part of the ambitious American Heartland Theme Park and Resort project in Vinita, was celebrated in late October. However, a legal hiccup arose when FORREC, a Canadian company responsible for design work on this $2 billion Disney-like park and its campground component, filed a lien due to unpaid services. The developer’s stance is pending a comprehensive review of the submitted work. This theme park aims to span 1,000 acres with attractions nearly twice as large as Tulsa’s Gathering Place. Despite these challenges, efforts continue to address design adjustments and flood plain issues delaying progress.
Source: Lien filed against American Heartland Theme Park in Oklahoma
Oklahoma-Made ‘Cricket’ to Open OKC Film Festival
For two decades, Amy Janes has worked to transform “Cricket,” a musical drama, from concept to film. Filmed in Oklahoma and edited by Janes, the movie will premiere at Oklahoma City’s deadCenter Film Festival. Directed by Richard Janes, Amy’s husband, “Cricket” features Skye Dakota Turner as Cricket Sullivan. The 24th Annual deadCenter Film Festival celebrates local talent with “Cricket” set for its opening night showcase. This achievement caps off years of effort and showcases the talents of Oklahomans both in front of and behind the camera.
Source: Oklahoma-made movie ‘Cricket’ to play opening night of OKC film festival
Concert Week: $25 Tickets to Top Oklahoma Shows & Entertainment
Live Nation’s Concert Week is bringing a fantastic deal to Oklahoma’s live music fans, offering $25 tickets to some of the state’s biggest upcoming concerts until May 14. With over 5,000 shows spanning various genres like pop, rock, hip-hop, and more on offer nationwide, Oklahomans have a special chance to catch highly anticipated performances at an unbeatable price. This incredible promotion promises an unforgettable concert experience for music lovers looking to enjoy top-notch entertainment without breaking the bank.
Source: Live Nation’s Concert Week Offers $25 Tickets to Top Oklahoma Shows & Entertainment
High-Tech Higher Ed: OSU Polytech Prepares Graduates
OSU Polytech, launched by Oklahoma State University’s system across Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Okmulgee campuses, is addressing the urgent need for a high-tech workforce in Oklahoma. With over 3,700 students enrolled in 60 programs both online and on-site, OSU Polytech focuses on STEM-based education to equip students with career-ready skills through flexible learning opportunities. By offering micro-credentials that can lead to degrees in fields like aerospace engineering and IT, OSU aims to enhance economic growth and fulfill industry demands for skilled labor. The initiative emphasizes hands-on learning experiences alongside theoretical knowledge to ensure graduates are immediately employable. Partnerships with local businesses and expansion plans across the state underline OSU’s commitment to boosting Oklahoma’s workforce readiness in science and technology sectors.
Source: High-Tech Higher Ed: OSU Polytech prepares graduates for in-demand careers
Oklahoma Blockchain Bill Ignores Environmental Impacts
Oklahoma’s House Bill 3594 aims to transform the state into a technology and innovation hub by fostering blockchain technology growth, legalizing home-based digital asset mining, and banning extra taxes on digital transactions. However, it raises concerns about who benefits from such advances—the general populace or just the top 10%? The bill could spur economic growth and job creation but might also exacerbate economic disparities without addressing environmental impacts of digital mining. Critics argue for comprehensive reviews to ensure equitable benefits and sustainable practices for all Oklahomans.
Source: Oklahoma blockchain bill ignores the environmental impacts
Oklahoma City Unveils $4M Paseo Arts District Upgrade
Oklahoma City celebrated the Paseo Arts District upgrade with a ribbon cutting for the $4 million project aimed at enhancing walkability and ADA access. Funded by the city’s Better Streets, Safer City bond, improvements include repaved streets, new sidewalks, upgraded handicapped parking, benches, trash cans, bike racks, message boards, streetlights, landscaping, pet waste stations along with new water and electrical infrastructures. These upgrades support community events like the 2024 Paseo Arts Festival scheduled from May 25-27.
Source: Oklahoma City unveils $4 million Paseo Arts District upgrade with ribbon cutting
Ex-Oklahoma County Jailer Faces Charge After Detainee Incident
Ryan Tilbury, a 25-year-old former sergeant at the Oklahoma County jail, has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery for allegedly pushing a detainee’s head into a wall multiple times. Charged on Wednesday, he faces up to 90 days in jail and could be fined $1,000 if convicted. The incident occurred after Tilbury responded to a call about a detainee refusing to return to his cell. Although initially using pepper spray on the detainee, it was the act of slamming the handcuffed individual’s head that led to charges. Tilbury, who had been employed since January 4, 2021, was placed on administrative leave during the investigation and subsequently fired on February 23.
Source: Ex-Oklahoma County jailer facing charge after incident with detainee
Oklahoma Schools Superintendent Discusses Tornado Relief Funding
In Durant, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters discussed his plans to enhance education and support schools affected by recent tornadoes. He announced initiatives for the coming months and funding for disaster relief, including hotel stays for displaced families, school supplies, and generators for schools. Additionally, Walters highlighted using $25,000 of ‘American Rescue Plan’ funds per local school to aid recovery efforts. His focus is on improving student performance through summer school and tutoring while considering merit pay for outstanding teachers. Walters aims to tailor education to meet each student’s needs and elevate Oklahoma’s educational standards.
Source: Oklahoma State Schools Superintendent talks tornado relief funding
Tulsa Health Department Assists Domestic Violence Survivors With Substance Abuse
The Tulsa Health Department (THD) reports an increase in opioid use in Oklahoma, particularly among victims and survivors of domestic violence who turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Netta Jamieson, a Prevention Specialist at THD, highlights the issue of victims being prescribed opioids for injuries inflicted by perpetrators or being coerced into substance use by them. This often leads to dependence and substance use disorder. Jamieson stresses the need for more research on the link between substance abuse and domestic violence. To address this issue, THD is hosting a free event on May 25th at Living Arts to educate the public about substance abuse prevention.
Source: Tulsa Health Department Works With Domestic Violence Survivors Who Cope With Substance Abuse
Mental Health Guide
The Oklahoma City Police Department introduced a Mental Health Response Protocol Guide for officers and 911 dispatchers, aimed at improving how they assist individuals in mental health crises. The 22-page guide comes as nearly 1 in 25 American adults live with serious mental illnesses, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Police Chief Wade Gourley emphasized that the protocols would ensure optimal service delivery during such emergencies, highlighting the importance of collaboration with mental health professionals. The guide also mandates documentation of police interactions with people experiencing mental health issues to better identify community needs and resource gaps.
Source: mental health guide
