>>> ON THIS SPECIAL YEAR-ENDING EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

>> I WAS A CARPENTER ON THE STREETS, AND I HAD FORGOT I EVEN HAD THOSE SKILLS UNTIL I CAME BACK OVER HERE AND RE-USE THEM AND SHARPEN 'EM JUST BRING BACK THE OLD ME.

>>> STEVE SHAW AND THE REST OF OUR STAFF WORK THEIR STATE-WIDE BEATS TO RECAP THE YEAR'S BIGGEST STORIES.

>> WHEN THE DOORS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THE COFFERS OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA ARE OPEN TO ONE RELIGION, THEN THEY MUST BE OPEN TO ALL RELIGIONS.

>>> TAELYR JACKSON HAS EDUCATION COVERED, AND JASON DOYLE REPORTS FROM THE STATE CAPITOL.

>> I WANNA THANK THE LEADERS IN THE HOUSE, THE SENATE BY CUTTING THE STATE'S PORTION OF THE GROCERY TAX WE'RE GONNA BE DELIVERING ON REAL RELIEF FOR REAL OKLAHOMA FAMILIES.

>>> PLUS, A SPECIAL REPORT ON A SPECIAL YOUNG OKLAHOMA LAWYER.

>> IT IS, IT'S A LITTLE SURREAL AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

EXCITED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, AND PROUD TO REPRESENT OKLAHOMA AND TU.

>>> THOSE STORIES, PLUS FLY FISHING WITH AN AERIAL TWIST IN WYOMING, NEXT ON THIS SPECIAL ENCORE EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

>>> HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT", I'M RICH LENZ.

AS 2024 COMES TO A CLOSE, WE WANTED TO LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE BEATS OUR REPORTERS HAVE COVERED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

WE'VE DONE SEVERAL STORIES ON OKLAHOMA PRISONS, SOME OF THEM HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THE POSITIVE AND SOME HAVE FOCUSED ON THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF INCARCERATION.

STEVE SHAW HAS BEEN OUR POINT MAN ON THESE REPORTS, AND HE JOINS US NOW WITH AN ENCORE PRESENTATION OF TWO OF THEM.

STEVE?

>> WHILE WE ENJOY BRINGING YOU REPORTS THAT FOCUS ON SOME OF THE POSITIVE THINGS HAPPENING BEHIND BARS, WE REALIZE IT CAN ALSO BE A PRETTY GRIM EXPERIENCE.

BACK IN JANUARY, CONCERNED FAMILIES JOINED WITH STATE LAWMAKERS WHO DEMANDED A REDUCTION IN VIOLENCE IN OUR STATE PRISONS.

THEY CLAIMED IT'S OUT OF CONTROL.

THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS SAID IT WAS UNDER CONTROL.

I'LL WARN YOU, SOME OF THE VIDEO YOU'RE ABOUT TO SEE MAY BE TOUGH TO WATCH.

IMAGINE BEING ON THE RECEIVING END OF A CELL PHONE VIDEO SHOWING A BRUTAL PRISON CELL ATTACK OF A LOVED ONE.

THAT'S A REALITY.

THEY HAD BEEN LIVING JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

>> HIS NOSE WAS BROKEN, HIS WRIST WAS BROKEN.

THEY HAD TO PERFORM SURGERY ON HIS EYE SOCKET.

THEY HAD TO REMOVE THE EYE.

>> THE BROTHER ABSORBED A TERRIFIC LENGTHY BEATING FROM OTHER INMATES AT THE CORRECTIONAL CENTER.

THE ONSLAUGHT WAS CAPTURED ON A CELL PHONE, THE FAMILY SAID IT WAS SMUGGLED INTO THE FACILITY.

THEY SHARED THE VIDEO WITH US.

THE BEATING HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 20, ONE DAY AFTER HER BROTHER SHE SAYS WAS STABBED TWICE IN THE LEG.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, HER BROTHER, WHO CLEARLY WAS BADLY INJURED WAS LEFT ALONE FOR SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE ATTACK.

GUARDS WERE SUMMONED ONLY AFTER SHE CALLED THE PRISON AND DEMANDED A WELFARE CHECK.

>> I -- I WAS JUST CRYING, I WAS PRAYING.

MY LINE WAS EVERYWHERE.

>> HE'S AN ELECTRICIAN BY TRADE AND HIS FIRST BORN SON.

>> WHAT HE DONE TO GET THERE, HE DIDN'T DESERVE TO BE BEAT LIKE HE DID.

THAT WAS A BUNCH OF COWARD KIDS.

>> I TALKED TO THE FAMILY ON TOWS AT THEIR HOME IN GARFIELD COUNTY.

THEY PUT ME ON THE PHONE WITH CARLOS ROSS JR., WHO TOLD ME HE'S RECOVERING IN A HOLDING CELL STILL AT DICK CONNER.

HE TOLD ME HE GOT IN TROUBLE WERE DRUG TRAFFICKING TEN YEARS AGO, GOT PAROLED AND WENT BACK TO PRISON AFTER A TRAFFIC STOP THREE YEARS AGO TURNED UP A GUN.

HE ALSO CONFIRMED THE REASON HE WAS STABBED AND TOOK THIS SAVAGE BEATING BECAUSE HE WANTED OUT OF THE GANG.

>> THIS -- THIS, OH MAN.

THESE YOUNGER GENERATIONS NOWADAYS, IS YOUNGER THAN I AM, EACH GENERATION IS DIFFERENT AS FAR AS SOME OF THEM GET IT, SOME OF THEM DON'T GET IT.

SOME OF THEM THINK THEY'RE BAD ASS, AND THINK THEY'RE INVISIBLE.

WHAT THEY DONE TO OUR SON, THE LORD WILL TAKE CARE OF EVENTUALLY.

>> THE INMATE, THEY'RE RUNNING THE PRISON.

THE GUARDS, THE CASE MANAGER.

THEY'RE ALL SCARED OF THEM.

THEY DO WHAT IS ACCORDING TO WHAT THE INMATES SAY.

I KNOW SOME OF THE GUARDS ARE GETTING PAID TO DO WHATEVER THE INMATES SAY.

>> LOOK THE OTHER WAY?

>> YES.

A LOT OF EXTORTING IS GOING ON.

A LOT OF THE GUARDS ARE ALLOWING DRUGS TO ENTER INTO THE FACILITY.

>> DOC SPOKESPERSON SAYS THAT'S NOT TRUE.

THE FACILITY STAFF IS NOT AFRAID OF INMATES, AND THE INMATES DO NOT RUN THE FACILITY.

THEY DID IT A TREMENDOUS JOB, WITHIN 45 MINUTES OF THE ASSAULT, ALL SUSPECTS WERE IDENTIFIED AND RELOCATED.

REPRESENTATIVE HUMPHREY IS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE.

HE'S BEEN SOUNDING THE ALARM ABOUT THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA'S PRISON SYSTEM SINCE THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC BEGAN.

HE SAYS HE'S BEEN LARGELY IGNORED, ESPECIALLY HE TRIED TO INVESTIGATE A SERIES OF ALLEGED RAPES AT THE WOMEN'S CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

>> THERE'S NOT TO BE IMAGINING THINGS, YOU HAVE THE DEPARTMENT SAYING YOU CAN'T GAUGE THIS, THIS IS PRISON.

YOU CAN'T GAUGE BY ONE INCIDENT.

I CAN GO ON ALL DAY, INCIDENT AFTER INCIDENT.

>> DOC SPOKESPERSON TOLD US LAST WEEK, HUMPHREY'S ALLEGATIONS ARE INCATARACT.

-- INACCURATE.

WE RESPOND SWIFTLY TO STINTS AND PROVIDE ANY NECESSARY MEDICAL TREATMENT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

, UNFORTUNATELY, VIOLENT ACTS DO OCCUR IN PRISONS.

HOWEVER, LOOKING AT ONE OR TWO INCIDENTS IS NOT INDICATIVE OF THE OVERALL EMBODIMENT OF HOW THEY'RE OPERATING AND PROTECTING THE STAFF.

OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS, THERE'S NOT BEEN A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE ON INMATE TO INMATE ASSAULT.

IN THAT SAME TIME FRAME, THERE'S A REDUCTION OF INMATE ON STAFF ASSAULTS.

FORMER STATE LEGISLATOR -- >> WHAT'S WRONG HERE?

>> THE PROBLEM THAT'S WRONG HERE, IS PEOPLE DON'T CARE.

PEOPLE COTTON CARE ABOUT PRISON -- DON'T CARE ABOUT PRISONS.

IT'S SAD.

97% OF THE PEOPLE INCARCERATED WILL GET OUT.

THEY'RE NOT ALL CHILD MOLESTERS AND MURDERS.

>> I COULDN'T HANDLE IT ANYMORE.

>> SHE SAYS SHE DIRECTED THE ENTIRE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FROM 2020 UNTIL SHE LEFT LAST JULY.

SHE SAYS HER PROBLEM STARTED LAST APRIL WHEN SHE WAS GIVEN TWO WEEKS TO HAVE A KITCHEN UP AND RUNNING.

AT THE GREAT PLAINS CORRECTIONAL CENTER, WHICH OPENED IN MAY.

>> DO WE HAVE POTS, PANS, WHAT DO WE HAVE?

THEIR RESPONSE IS WE DON'T KNOW.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'VE GOT, BUT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED UP.

YOU'RE TO OPEN AND STANDING -- >> IN OTHER WORDS THEY ASKED YOU TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.

>> 100%.

WORK A MIRACLE, 100%.

AND MY TEAM AND I, WITH THE AUDITING TEAM, PRODUCED MIRACLES.

>> SHE WORKED FOR DOC TEN YEARS, SHE HAS SHE SOUGHT ANSWER FROMS THE BOSSES ABOUT HOW SHE WAS TO KEEP THE NEW GREAT PLAINS FOOD OPERATION GOING, KNOWING SHE WAS STILL EXPECTED TO RUN THE ENTIRE FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM.

SHE SAYS THERE WERE MAJOR ISSUES AT GREAT PLAINS, INCLUDING FAULTY KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND A COMPLETE LACK OF A TRASH SERVICE.

THE WHOLE THING MADE HER FEAR FOR HER JOB.

>> SO YOU'RE LEFT WITHOUT FEAR, OH MY GOSH, AM I NEXT?

WE'RE KILLING OURSELVES TO MAKE THIS MIRACLE HAPPEN, BUT YET AM I GOING TO BE NEXT?

GIVING IT BY ALL?

AM I GOING TO -- >> WOULD YOU SAY THEY MANAGED THROUGH A CULTURE OF FEAR?

>> MY EXPERIENCE -- AND I SAW THAT PUT ON A LOT OF EMPLOYEES.

>> DID YOU SEE PEOPLE GET FIRED?

>> UM, NOT THE ONES IN MY CIRCLE BUT ONES ABOVE ME, YES, ABSOLUTELY THEY DID.

>> SHE SAYS SHE RESIGNED IN JULY BECAUSE SHE COULDN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE.

>> JULY 4TH, I AM IN THE KITCHEN AT HINTON.

I'M UNDER THE DESK TRYING TO HIDE FROM THE WINDOW SO INMATES CAN'T SEE ME.

IT FELT SO IMPOSSIBLE, IT FELT JUST TOTAL DESPERATION.

>> THE SPOKESPERSON THOMPSON TOLD ME THURSDAYS THAT ODOC DOES NOT OPERATE ON A CULTURE OF FEAR.

IF SHE WAS MADE TO FEEL THAT WAY, WE WERE UNAWARE OF ANYONE IN THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, THE ONLY ONES WITH TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY WHO DID SO.

>> WE TRY TO BE FAIR HERE.

FIVE OR SIX MONTHS AFTER THAT STORY AIRED, I HEARD ABOUT A JOB TRAINING PROGRAM AT JOHN LILLEY CORRECTIONAL CENTER IN BOLEY.

DOZENS OF INMATES THERE USED SKILLS THEY'D ACQUIRED THROUGH OKLAHOMA CAREER TECH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THERE AND TO BETTER THEMSELVES.

>> YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING.

WE'RE USING THESE.

>> TIM HAS DIRECTED CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE AT JOHN LILY CORRECTIONAL CENTER.

>> EVERYTHING HERE, IS NOBODY TEST IT BUT US.

>> THE FACILITY DATES BACK TO 1923 WHEN IT OPENED FIRST AS A SANITARIUM.

THEN IT WAS A BOY'S HOME.

BEFORE IT WAS CONVERTED IN 1983 TO A STATE PRISON THAT CURRENTLY HOLDS 1300 INMATES.

>> I GOT FIRST-DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER.

I WAS DRINKING AND DRIVING.

KILLED A FRIEND.

>> 30-YEAR-OLD TREVOR PACE IS ONE OF 32 INMATES WHO FOUR MONTHS AGO BUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON A NEW BUILDING PROJECT THAT HAD BEEN IN THE WORKS FOR THREE YEARS.

THE CENTRAL CONTROL BUILDING IN ANY PRISON IS VITAL, AND JOHN LILY, NEEDED A NEW ONE.

>> THE HEART BEAT OF THE FACILITY.

EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING COMES AND GOES -- EVERYTHING HAS TO GO THROUGH CENTRAL CONTROL FROM A SECURITY STANDPOINT.

>> THE PROJECT STARTED WITH $150,000 IN FEED MONEY PROVIDED BY THE STATE.

THE INMATES WHO LEARNED ELECTRICAL, MASONRY, AND HVAC THROUGH THE CAREER TECH, FINISHED EVERYTHING ON THEIR OWN.

INMATES INCLUDING TREVOR.

>> RIGHT NOW I'M IN THE CAREER TECH ELECTRONIC TO GET MY -- I HAVE SIX MORE MONTHS, AND I CAN TEST OUT.

>> THAT'S NOT AN EASY TASK.

>> IT'S NOT.

>> BUT YOU CAN LEARN THAT HERE.

>> RIGHT HERE.

>> PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT.

>> IT'S OPPORTUNITY THAT HAS BEEN SENT FROM GOD.

IT'S AMAZING.

>> 42-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM SHAVER HAS BEEN INCARCERATED FOR TEN YEARS.

HE HAS FIVE MONTHS LEFT.

HE PUT HIS NEWLY LEARNED CARPETRY AND HVAC SKILLS TO USE.

>> IT IS A -- >> WHEN YOU GET OUT, DO YOU THINK WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION AND DOING THIS WORK WILL KEEP YOU WHERE YOU NEED TO BE?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AS LONG AS I KEEP IN MY FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD AND DO WHAT'S RIGHT, THERE'S NO QUESTION AS TO WHETHER I SHOULD PROSPER.

>> CHASE HAS BEEN IN PRISON FOR 15 YEARS FOR FIRST DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER.

HE EARNED A JOURNEYMAN'S LICENSE, AND HE'S ALSO SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED IN FIVE MONTHS.

>> THIS WILL MOST DEFINITIVELY HELP ME IN THAT ONCE I GET TO A POSITION WHERE I CAN GET A JOB OUT THERE.

>> 49-YEAR-OLD SAYS HE SPENT 20 YEARS OF HIS LIFE IN OKLAHOMA PRISONS.

HE SAYS HE'S BEEN HIS OWN WORST ENEMY BUT LEARNING THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS GIVES HIM HOPE.

>> WHAT BROUGHT YOU DOWN BEFORE?

ALCOHOL?

>> I DO DRUGS, AND I PARTY.

A LOT OF DRUGS AND GET BROUGHT HERE, BUT I'VE BEEN SOBER FOR FIVE YEARS.

>> THAT'S A BIG DEAL.

>> HE'S A 1987 GRADUATE.

>> I KIND OF LOST MYSELF IN PRISON.

I'VE BEEN IN A LITTLE OVER 20 YEARS.

I WAS A CARPENTER ON THE STREET, AND I FORGOT I HAD THEM, UNTIL I GOT TO USE THEM AND SHARPEN THEM.

AND BRING BACK THE OLD ME.

>> IT'S A WIN WIN FOR EVERYONE, NOT ONLY DO THREE DOZENS INMATES GET VALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCE, IT SAVES THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS A LOT OF MONEY.

>> THE NUMBER IS WELL OVER $200,000.

PROBABLY OVER THREE.

>> WITH THE OPPORTUNITY, GUESS WHAT?

THEY FLOURISH.

WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN IN A SITUATION WHERE WE TRY TO -- IF YOU SEE SOMEBODY, I USE THE WORD -- TRY TO ENHANCE IT.

SO THEY CAN KIND OF LIKE -- AND THEN, IT'S A WONDERFUL THING.

YEAH, WHEN THE LIGHTS COME ON, MOE MAN.

-- OH MAN.

THAT'S -- >> THE WARDEN SAYS A WEEK AGO, A MAN WHO WAS RECENTLY RELEASED FROM JOHN LILLEY SENT HIM A NOTE, AND A CHECK STUB THAT SHOWS HE MAKES $22 AN HOUR ON THE OUTSIDE.

>> EVERYWHERE I GO -- THEY AIN'T ASKING WHAT YOU DID.

HEY, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW.

YOU GO AHEAD AND TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS.

IF YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR BUSINESS, GUESS WHAT, YOU CAN GET A JOB.

>> CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE ADMINISTRATOR OFFICIALLY RETIRES IN THREE MONTHS.

>> IT IS -- IT SHOULD HELP TREMENDOUSLY.

>> WHAT HAS THIS DONE FOR MORALE HERE.

>> WE HAD INMATES THAT DIDN'T WORK ON THE PROJECT, AND SAY, LOOKING GOOD.

BOYS THAT LOOKS GOOD.

WE'RE SITTING THEM, AND IT MAKES THEM PROUD.

MADE ME PROUD.

>> IN OCTOBER I WENT BACK TO JOHN LILLEY BECAUSE THE WARDEN ASKED ME TO.

HE WAS PROUD OF THE FACT INMATES THERE HAD COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION ON A BRAND NEW PRISON BARBER SHOP.

I EVEN GOT MY HAIR CUT THERE.

RICH.

>>> STEVE, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

TAELYR JACKSON IS OUR EDUCATION REPORTER, AND THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS CERTAINLY KEPT HER BUSY THIS YEAR.

IN LATE JUNE, THE OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT ISSUED A RULING INVOLVING THE PROPOSED ST. ISIDORE VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL, AND THAT SAME WEEK, RYAN WALTERS ANNOUNCED A MANDATE TO PLACE BIBLES IN EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM.

TAELYR JACKSON COVERED BOTH EVENTS AND JOINS US NOW WITH THE REACTION TO THEM, IN A REPORT THAT FIRST AIRED ON JUNE 28.

TAELYR?

>> RICH, RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS REMAINED A HOT TOPIC THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

IN A 7-1 VOTE BY THE OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT RULED THAT THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE OKLAHOMA STATEWIDE VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD AND A RELIGIOUS CHARTER SCHOOL WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

THE BOARD WANTS THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH IN.

AG DRUMMOND THINKS THEY SHOULD PASS.

>> THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT ON THE BOARD DID DISAGREE STRONGLY WITH THE COURT'S DECISION.

LAST JUNE ON A 3-2 VOTE, THE STATEWIDE VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED A CONTRACT.

FILED A LAWSUIT IN OCTOBER TO CONTEST THE CONTRACT.

A -- IS ON THE CASE, AND HE WASN'T SURPRISED WHEN THEN EXPRESS THE -- FOR A RELIGIOUS CHARTER SCHOOL.

>> I WAS NOT SURPRISED.

THERE'S BEEN AN EFFORT IN THE COUNTRY IN AN ATTEMPT TO USE PUBLIC MONEYS TO FUND PRIVATE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.

AND WHAT I WAS HOPING WOULD HAPPEN IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED, THAT THE OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT WOULD FIND IN FAVOR OF THE PLAINTIFFS THAT IT WAS IN TRUE AND CORRECT VIOLATION OF THE OKLAHOMA CONSTITUTION.

>> LATER IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MEETING, WALTER SAID THAT BIBLES SHOULD BE A PART OF THE CURRICULUM IN SOCIAL STUDIES.

>> WE LOOK AT THE ACADEMIC STANDARDS, IT'S CLEAR TO US, THE STANDARDS UNDER TITLE 70, MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE BIBLE IS A NECESSARY HISTORICAL DOCUMENT TO TEACH OUR KIDS OF THE COUNTRY, OF THE WESTERN CIVILIZATION.

>> ACCORDING TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, THE LAW ALREADY PERMITS BIBLES IN THE CLASSROOM AND ALLOWS THE TEACHERS TO USE THEM IN INSTRUCTION.

THE FRAMERS OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND THOSE WHO DRAFTED THE OKLAHOMA CONSTITUTION CLEARLY YOU UNDERSTAND HOW BEST TO PROTECT THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM BY PREVENTING THE STATE FROM SPONSORING ANY RELIGION AT ALL.

AS A MAN OF FAITH, RANDALL SAYS HE UNDERSTANDS IS IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE RELIGION AND STATE SEPARATE.

>> OKLAHOMA HAS A DARK HISTORY WHEN IT COMES TO MINGLING CHURCH AND STATE.

MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER WAS A RESIDENT AT THE OKLAHOMA SCHOOL.

IT WAS RUN BY CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES, AND IT WAS FUNDED WITH PUBLIC MONEY.

WHEN MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER AND SISTER SHOWED UP ON THE CAMPUS, THEY WERE STRIPPED OF THEIR INDIGENOUS IDENTITY.

THEY WERE VICTIMS OF WHAT WAS CALLED THE PRATT DOCTRINE.

TO SAVE THE PERSON, YOU HAD TO KILL THE INDIAN.

SO THEY WERE WHIPPED WHEN SPOKING IN -- THEY WERE FORCED TO WORSHIP THE WHITE MAN'S GOD.

ALL OF THIS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TAXPAYERS.

>> BUT IN THE CASE, THINKS THAT OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT GOT IT WRONG.

>> THE SUPREME COURT UPHELD A LAW THAT BASICALLY EXCLUDES THE ORGANIZATIONS FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH.

WE DON'T THINK THAT'S CONSISTENT WITH THE FREE EXERCISE CLAUSE.

>> ONE OF THE SUPREMES RULING SAYS THE CONTRACT WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

>> AND BASICALLY THAT CLAUSE MEANS YOU CAN'T BE REQUIRED TO GIVE UP YOUR FAITH AS THE CONDITION TO PARTICIPATE IN A PROGRAM.

IT'S OPEN TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LIKE YOUR OWN.

SO HERE, THE STATE LAW, BASICALLY IS SAYING, GIVE UP YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM.

AND THAT'S UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

>> IT'S DISAPPOINTING THAT OKLAHOMA PARENTS HAVE ONE LESS RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL OPTION FOR THEIR CHILD.

>> THIS SCHOOL WAS AN OPTION.

ONE OF MANY.

THE STATEWIDE CHARTER SCHOOL IN OKLAHOMA.

OKLAHOMA HAS OVER 30 CHARTER SCHOOLS TOTAL.

AND THIS WAS A GREAT OPTION THE BOARD FELT SATISFIED ALL THE EDUCATIONAL CRITERIA.

SO THE SCHOOL SHOULD BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY, BECAUSE IT HAS A CATHOLIC FAITH.

THAT'S WHAT WE THINK THE OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT IS DIRECTING THE BOARD TODAY.

>> IN A STATE YOUR NAME LATER, THEY'RE CONSIDERING THE NEXT STEPS.

THE RULING IS VERY DISAPPOINTING FOR THE HUNDREDS OF PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO DESIRE THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND PROGRAMS OF THE VIRTUAL SCHOOL.

WE'LL CONSIDER ALL LEGAL OPTIONS AND REMAIN STEADFAST IN THE BELIEF THAT IT COULD BE A VALUABLE ASSET TO STUDENTS REGARDLESS OF THE RACE AND BACKGROUND.

IT'LL BE APPEALED TO THE SUPREME COURT.

>> WHEN THE DOORS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THE COFFERS OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA ARE OPEN TO ONE RELIGION, THEN THEY MUST BE OPENED TO ALL RELIGIONS.

>> FOUR MONTHS LATER, IN EARLY OCTOBER, SUPERINTENDENT WALTERS UNVEILED HIS PROPOSED BUDGET, AND NOT ALL LAWMAKERS AGREED WITH HIS PRIORITIES.

THEIR MAIN OBJECTION, USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO PAY FOR BIBLES IN SCHOOL CLASSROOMS.

>> IN A UNANIMOUS VOTE THE OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS APPROVED A $4.1 BILLION BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR.

STATE SUPERINTENDENT RYAN WALTERS, WHO SITS ON THE OETA BOARD BY VIRTUE OF HIS ELECTED POSITION, ANNOUNCED THAT $3 MILLION WOULD GO TOWARD PURCHASING BIBLES FOR SCHOOLS.

>> WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT ENSURING THAT OUR HISTORY COURSES INCLUDE THE ROLE THE BIBLE PLAYED THROUGHOUT AMERICAN HISTORY.

WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE EFFORTS OF LEFT-WING GROUPS AND THE TEACHER'S UNIONS TO DRIVE THE BIBLE OUT OF SCHOOL.

I BELIEVE IT'S IMPORTANT FOR HISTORICAL CONTEXT FOR OUR KIDS TO UNDERSTAND THE ROLE THE BIBLE PLAYED.

>> THE ALLOCATION WOULD BE ADDED TO THE $3 MILLION THE BOARD HAS ALREADY AUTHORIZED TO BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF BIBLES.

>> SO THIS WOULD GIVE US THE ABILITY TO UTILIZE $6 MILLION IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS TO ENSURE THAT THE BIBLE HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN OUT OF OKLAHOMA CLASSROOMS AND WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT STEP FOR THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE NOT ALLOWING THE LEFT TO CENSOR AMERICAN HISTORY.

>> WE WERE UNABLE TO CONTACT REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE MARK MCBRIDE, WHO IS THE APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET EDUCATION CHAIR, HOWEVER, HIS LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT DID TELL US MCBRIDE HAS NO PROBLEM WITH BIBLES BEING IN THE CLASSROOM, BUT THAT THEY SHOULD BE DONATED AND NOT PURCHASED WITH APPROPRIATED MONEY.

MCBRIDE WENT ON TO TELL HIS ASSISTANT "THIS WAS NEVER MENTIONED IN ANY BUDGET REQUEST.

I'M CURIOUS WHERE THIS MONEY WOULD BE COMING FROM I AM ALSO A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.

THIS APPEARS TO BE THE BEGINNINGS OF STATE-SPONSORED RELIGION."

EDUCATION BOARD MEMBER SARAH LEPAK SEEMED TO SHARE SIMILAR CONCERNS AT LAST THURSDAY'S MEETING IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

>> AND I, NO SURPRISE TO ANYBODY THAT'S HAD THIS CONVERSATION WITH ME, I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH ANY KIND OF IDEA.

AND I KNOW YOU SAID THIS ISN'T WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN.

ANY KIND OF IDEA ABOUT PROSELYTIZING, ESTABLISHING SOME KIND OF STATE RELIGION, YOU KNOW, DOING THINGS THAT MAY END UP FAVORING ONE RELIGION OVER ANOTHER OR WHATEVER ELSE IT IS THAT WE MAY NEED TO CONSIDER UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION FOR THE FREE EXERCISE OF RELIGION.

>> DEMOCRATIC LEADER CYNDI MUNSON DISAGREES WITH SUPERINTENDENT WALTERS' REQUEST FOR FUNDS TO BE USED FOR BIBLES IN THE CLASSROOM.

"HE WANTS TO USE MILLIONS IN PUBLIC TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO FUND RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS-SOMETHING THE MAJORITY OF OKLAHOMANS ARE ADAMANTLY AGAINST, WHILE OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS REMAIN SOME OF THE MOST UNDERFUNDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE NATION.

OKLAHOMA RANKS 45TH IN THE UNITED STATES FOR PER-STUDENT EXPENDITURES AND OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE PAID MORE THAN $10,000 LESS THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE SALARY FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS.

THERE ARE MAJOR GAPS IN FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA, AND YET THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT CONTINUES TO ABANDON THE NEEDS OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PUSH FOR POLICIES THAT DO NOT BENEFIT TEACHERS, STUDENTS, OR FAMILIES.

HE HAS AND CONTINUES TO FAIL US AND OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS."

WALTERS DID NOT SPECIFY WHERE THE $3 MILLION TO PURCHASE BIBLES WOULD COME FROM.

HOWEVER, HE DID MENTION THAT HE PREFERRED THAT THE KING JAMES VERSION OF THE BIBLE TO BE USED.

>> IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATURE, WALTERS' PROPOSED BUDGET WOULD INCREASE THE AGENCY'S FUNDING BY ALMOST $103 MILLION.

THE BUDGET REQUEST ALSO INCLUDED A REQUESTS FOR $85 MILLION FOR A FLEXIBLE BENEFIT ALLOWANCE, $4 MILLION FOR PATERNITY LEAVE, AND $10.8 MILLION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.

WALTERS IS ALSO ASKING FOR $500,000 TO FUND A SCHOOL SECURITY PILOT PROGRAM THAT WOULD TRAIN EDUCATORS ON HOW TO CARRY AND USE FIREARMS.

>> SO THAT A TEACHER, AN ADMINISTRATOR, SPORTS STAFF, WHO THE LOCAL BOARD DEEMS FITTING FOR THIS ROLE COULD CARRY ON CAMPUS IF THAT IS IN ALIGNMENT WITH DISTRICT POLICY TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF THE STUDENTS OF THAT DISTRICT.

WE WOULD ALSO PROVIDE SIGNAGE FOR THE DISTRICT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW COMING ON CAMPUS THAT THERE ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO CARRY ON THE SITE TO ENSURE THAT THESE SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE NOT TARGETED BY EVIL INDIVIDUALS THAT UNFORTUNATELY HAVE BEEN TARGETING OUR SCHOOLS.

>> THE BUDGET DID NOT REQUEST FUNDS FOR IMAGINE MATH AND IMAGINE READING PROGRAMS, BUT WALTERS IS ONCE AGAIN ASKING FOR MONEY TO EVALUATE TEACHERS.

>> LASTLY, WE HAVE A TEACHER-LEADER EFFECTIVENESS PROGRAMS.

THIS IS OUR EVALUATION MODEL.

WE ASKED FOR $250,000 LAST YEAR.

WE DID NOT GET IT.

WE'RE GONNA ASK FOR IT AGAIN THIS YEAR.

I WILL TELL YOU ALL, I WANT YOU TO BE KIND OF UP TO SPEED ON THIS.

THERE HAVE BEEN CONVERSATIONS IN THE LEGISLATURE OF DOING AWAY WITH THE TLE OF EITHER GOING TO THERE, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL THINGS PROPOSED, BUT THAT'S BEEN A CONVERSATION.

I ASKED FOR THIS IN THE BUDGET TO ENSURE THAT IF THEY MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROGRAM AND WE CONTINUE ADMINISTERING IT HERE AS AN AGENCY, WE WANNA MAKE SURE THAT TEACHERS UNDERSTAND HOW THEY'RE BEING EVALUATED.

>> EVERY YEAR STATE AGENCIES SEND THEIR PROPOSED BUDGETS TO THE LEGISLATURE BUT LAWMAKERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THEIR REQUESTS.

>>> CHANGES ARE EXPECTED IN THE U.S. EDUCATION SYSTEM AS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TAKES OFFICE IN NEXT MONTH.

>> TAELYR, THANK YOU.

AND NOW TO THE OTHER WORK LAWMAKERS CONSIDERED IN 2024.

A LEGISLATIVE SESSION THAT BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, AND WAS PRECEDED BY A SPECIAL SESSION ON JANUARY 29, FINALLY CAME TO AN END ON MAY 31, WITH MORE THAN 350 BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW.

CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT JASON DOYLE COVERED IT ALL, AND JOINS US NOW.

JASON?

>> RICH, WHEN THIS YEAR'S REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDED, IT WAS A LOT LIKE SUMMER BREAK FOR HIGH SCHOOL KIDS.

LAWMAKERS WERE MORE THAN READY TO SAY SO LONG TO "23RD AND LINCOLN" AND HEAD BACK HOME.

THIS YEAR.TAX CUTS DOMINATED THE CONVERSATION FOR THE ENTIRE REGULAR SESSION.

>> MY PERSONAL STATEMENT IS TO CUT THE INCOME TAX TWO YEARS AGO.

>> KICKING OFF THE -- THE REASON WHY, THE GOVERNOR CALLED THE SPECIAL SESSION, TO TALK OF THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX CUTS DID NOT GO FAR.

>> THE GOVERNOR CALLS FOR SPECIAL SESSION, WE BELIEVE IT WAS A WASTE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND RESOURCES.

ESPECIALLY WE START ONE WEEK FROM TODAY IN REGULAR SESSION.

>> IT WAS QUICKLY DISPATCHED, TAX CUTS WERE NOT.

>> WE HAVE -- FOR A LONG TIME TOLD THEM WE WANT TO KNOW THE REAL NUMBERS BEFORE ANYTHING.

FEBRUARY 15 WE'LL GET THE REAL NUMBERS.

>> DESPITE THE DESIRE TO GET THE REAL NUMBERS OF HOW MUCH LEGISLATURE IS -- THE GOVERNOR CONTINUED TO PUSH THE -- WITH THE SPECIAL SESSION.

>> TWO YEARS AGO, WE CUT A QUARTER POINT FROM THE INDIVIDUAL TAX RATE.

AND WE LOWERED BUSINESS TAXES BY TWO FULL PERCENTAGE POINTS.

SINCE THEN, REVENUE COLLECTIONS HAVE INCREASED BY $1.5 BILLION.

THAT'S BEEN THE TREND AFTER EVERY TAX CUT WE PASSED.

I'LL SIGN ANY TAX CUT THAT COMES FROM MY DESK.

>> WHEN THE FINAL NUMBERS CAME IN, PUSHED THE SENATE TO PURSUE THE ELIMINATION OF THE STATE PORTION OF THE SALES TAX.

SIGNED MORE THAN $400 MILLION TAX BREAK FOR THE CONSUMERS.

>> I GET TO DELIVER ON THE PROMISE TODAY.

BY SIGNING THE TAX CUT IN OKLAHOMA HISTORY.

IT'S AMAZING, I WANT THANK THE LEADERS IN THE HOUSE, THE SENATE, BY CUTTING THE STATE'S PORTION WE'LL DELIVER ON REAL RELIEF.

>> THAT TAX CUT TAKES EFFECT AROUND MID AUGUST.

HALF WAY THROUGH THE SPECIAL SESSION, TALK OF IMMIGRATION BILL BEGAN.

>> THERE'S HIGH ISSUE IN THE STATE, WE KNOW THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS THE MOST CONCERNING ISSUE IN THE STATE.

EVEN MORE SO THAN THE TAXES AND THE ECONOMY.

>> THEY INTRODUCED THAT BILL IN THE FORM OF HOUSE BILL 4156.

>> BY THE CALL OF THE HOUSE ENTRY OF THE SENATE AND LEADING TO IMMIGRATION.

>> THE LEGISLATION MAKES -- A CRIME.

THOSE CASES ON BEING RELEASED FROM JAIL, THE OFFENDER IS ORDERED TO LEAVE THE STATE AND NOT RETURN.

THE COMMUNITY HELD A PROTEST TO TRY TO CONVINCE THE SENATE TO HOLD -- HOWEVER, THE BILL KEPT MOVING.

>> THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HAS ADMITTED IN JANUARY HE FINALLY SAID THE BORDER IS A CRISIS.

THE U.S. CONGRESS WE CAN POINT FINGERS AND TALK ABOUT THINGS, THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO IMPACT IT.

>> DESPITE THE COMMUNITY OUT CRY, THE GOVERNOR SIDE IT.

EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FILED A LAWSUIT IN FEDERAL COURT TO KEEP THE BILL FROM GOING INTO EFFECT.

LATE APRIL BROUGHT WITH IT, DEADLY WEATHER THAT TOOK THE GOVERNOR AND THE HOUSE SPEAKER TO VIEW THE DEVASTATION FOR THEMSELVES AND TO DELIVER A COMMITMENT, THE LEGISLATURE WOULD PROVIDE FUNDING.

>> WE'LL RISE, CLEAN UP, REBUILD, AND WE'LL MOVE FORWARD.

AND WE'LL BE HERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY WITH SULFUR AND OTHER COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE.

>> HOW MUCH THE STATE LEGISLATURE COULD APPROPRIATE FOR THE REPAIRS, DURING THE FIRST EVER NEGOTIATION.

THE SPEAKER CORRECTLY AT THAT TIME, THE SEVERE WAET DARS SEASON WAS -- DIS-- WAS JUST GETTING STARTED.

>> IN AN APPROPRIATED EFFORT.

>> THE CALL, THE GOVERNOR -- ALL AGREED ON THE HIGHER $45 MILLION FIGURE.

>> THE SURPLUS OF SAVINGS RIGHT NOW, COULD PUT THE CASH IN THERE.

>> I TOLD MY CALLS FOR SPECULATION -- CAUCUS -- >> FOR TWO AND A HALF MORE WEEKS, THEY HAVE THE UP'S AND DOWNS AND WALK OUTS, TO REACH A $47 BILLION SPENDING PLAN FOR THE FISCAL PLAN NEXT YEAR.

>> I'M GLAD TO HAVE FINISHED MY FINAL BUDGET.

>> THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION WILL BE THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION FOR THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE.

THAT STARTS ON FEBRUARY 3 NEXT YEAR.

ANOTHER MAJOR POLITICAL EVENT THAT SHOCKED OKLAHOMA AND THE NATION WAS THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT IN AUGUST.

I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL OKLAHOMA LEADERS, INCLUDING ONE WHO HAS A SPECIAL INSIGHT INTO THE SECRET SERVICE, TO GET THEIR REACTIONS TO HOW IT HAPPENED AND HOW IT MIGHT IMPACT THE RHETORIC GOING FORWARD IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

>> THE ONE MAN WAS KILLED AND TWO OTHERS INJURED, THE INCIDENT IS CONSIDERED A MAJOR SECURITY FAILURE.

AFTER SEEING THE EVENT UNFOLD SATURDAY, KNOWS THE MISTAKES WERE MADE.

>> THAT'S THE MOST SURPRISING ASPECT OF IT TO ME, THERE WAS A STRUCTURE AT THE EVENT IN PENNSYLVANIA, THAT I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT STRUCTURE WAS NOT EITHER MANNED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT, BY SECRET SERVICE OR AT THE VERY LEAST, BARRICADED OFF SO NOBODY COULD FETE TO THE STRUCTURE -- GET TO THE STRUCTURE AND CLOIM IT AND SHOT -- CLIMB IT AND SHOT A GUN AT THE FORMER PRESIDENT.

I WAS IN THE FORMER BUSH ADMINISTRATION.

THAT WAS MY TIME FRAME AND ERA.

I DO A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL TRIPS.

>> WITH THE INVESTIGATIONS, INDICATED THE SUSPECT WAS SPOTTED BEFORE THE RALLY STARTED BUT THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE SECRET SERVICE LOST TRACK OF HIM UNTIL MINUTES BEFORE HE FIRED AT TRUMP.

>> YOU'LL SEE SOME FIRINGS AND RESIGNATIONS.

IT ALL STARTS AT THE TOP.

>> HE SERVES IN THE 2000 CAMPAIGN CYCLE.

>> THE BAD PART ON THE SECRET SERVICE IS THE ADVANCE WORK AND THE SIDE SURVEY.

THE INVESTIGATION WILL DETERMINE WHERE THE HOLES WHERE AND THE MISTAKES MADE.

OBVIOUSLY THERE WERE MARDI GRASES MISTAKES -- MISTAKES.

I WAS HALF WATCHING AND HALF DOING SOMETHING AT HOME.

AT FIRST, YOU'RE TRYING TO MAKE SENSE, IS THIS WHAT I THINK IT IS.

ONCE YOU REALIZE IT IS, THIS IS A MOMENT IN HISTORY.

MY FIRST THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR THE MAN, AND I WAS THANKFUL THAT HE WAS OKAY.

>> THE HOUSE SPEAKER, CURRENTLY A SENIOR FELLOW, WORKING ALONGSIDE THE CAMPAIGN IN 2020.

>> I GOT TO TRAVEL THE COUNTRY ON THE BUS, AND I SAW FIRSTHAND A LOT OF THE HATE THAT EXISTS IN THE COUNTRY.

AND IT BROKE MY HEART.

BUT I'M HOPEFUL, AND OPTIMISTIC.

WE AS AMERICANS AND WE CAN GIVE BACK.

>> HE SENDS THE -- AMONG THE PARTY MEMBERS SINCE THE ATTEMPT ON TRUMP'S LIFE.

>> WATCHING THE RNC, IT'S REASSURING TO ME TO SEE A UNITED FRONT AND PARTY.

I SAW PEOPLE WHO WERE FIERCE COMPETITORS AND OPPONENTS OF DONALD TRUMP ENDORSE HIM.

>> PRESIDENT TRUMP ASKED ME TO SPEAK TO THIS CONVENTION IN THE NAME OF UNITY.

>> THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION OFFICIALLY NOMINATED -- >> WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU HEARD THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT?

>> WE WERE WITH THE OKLAHOMA DELEGATION THAT WAS WELCOMING BACK TOGETHER ALL OF DELEGATES, AND I GOT A TEXT FROM A FRIEND AND WENT TO TWITTER AND VERIFIED IT.

THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN SHOT.

AND -- THE OKLAHOMAENS IN THE ROOM, WE ALL STOPPED.

FREEZING BONE TINGLING CHILLED.

>> YEAH.

>> THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA CURRENTLY CAST ALL OF THE 43 VOTES TO PRESIDENT TRUMP.

>> WORRY RESOLVED -- WE'RE RESOLVED TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN BUT IT'S IN THE JUST ABOUT DONALD TRUMP.

IT SHOULD BE ABOUT EACH AND EVERY AMERICAN, AND LET'S ALL WORK TOGETHER.

>> AS FARCE TRUMP'S -- AS FAR AS TRUMP'S PICK, THE DELEGATION APPROVES THE CHOICE.

>> TALKING ABOUT THE PEOPLE, ALL AROUND OKLAHOMA, THAT'S ALL -- EVERYONE SAYS, YEAH, I WOULD LIKE HIM.

>> THE QUESTION IS ON THE MOTION THAT SENATOR VANCE BE NOMINATED BY ACCLIMATION.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

>> AND MANY ARE READY TO GET BACK TO ISSUES THAT AMERICANS ARE FACING TODAY.

>> WE HAVE TO STOP AND SAY, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT WAS SAID IN THE PAST, BUT WHAT MATTERS IS WHAT YOU SAY IN THE FUTURE.

>> SHANNON AGREES.

>> I WAS GLAD TO HEAR THAT PRESIDENT BIDEN CAME OUT -- AND HE TALKED ABOUT CHANGING THE TONE, AND I'M HOPEFUL THAT'S THE CASE WITH HIS CAMPAIGN.

THAT WE'LL FOCUS.

I THINK A LOT OF THE AMERICANS ARE TIRED OF THE PETTY, OF THE SMALL PERSONAL ATTACKS.

>> AS FAR AS THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE SECRET SERVICE, CONGRESS NEEDS TO TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT HOW THE AGENCY IS FUNDED IN THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

>> THEY ARE ONE OF MANY -- IN THE HOMELAND SECURITY.

WHAT THE SECRET SERVICE ASKS FOR IN THE BUDGET THEY DON'T GET.

THAT WAS NOT THE CASE.

IT'S SHOCKING, BUT THE SECRET SERVICE -- WITH ALL THE OTHER ENTITIES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN HOMELAND SECURITY AND HOPING THAT WILL CHANGE.

>> HE BELIEVES THE AGENCY WILL IMPLEMENT LESSONS LEARNED.

>> WE'LL LEARN FROM THIS, AND PROTECT OUR LEADERS LIKE NEVER BEFORE ONCE AGAIN.

>> AS WE ALL KNOW, PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP DID SURVIVE AND GO ON TO WIN THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

HE'LL BE INAUGURATED AS THE NATION'S 47TH PRESIDENT ON JANUARY 20.

RICH.

>>> JASON, THANKS FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING REPORTING ALL YEAR LONG.

IN EARLY AUGUST, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING A REMARKABLE YOUNG LAWYER ABOUT TO LEAVE OKLAHOMA FOR A YEAR TO LIVE IN WASHINGTON D.C.

THE SUPREME COURT FELLOWS PROGRAM IS A PRESTIGIOUS OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AND LEARN ALONGSIDE THE NINE U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICES.

THIS YEAR, JUST FOUR YOUNG LAWYERS WERE SELECTED: A GRADUATE FROM YALE, ONE FROM VIRGINIA, ANOTHER FROM VANDERBILT, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, ONE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA.

HOPE FORSYTH BEGAN HER REMARKABLE ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL LAW CAREER IN HER HOMETOWN OF CUSHING, OKLAHOMA AT HOME.

>> SO I WAS HOMESCHOOLED MY ENTIRE K THROUGH 12 CHILDHOOD.

I LOVED BEING HOMESCHOOLED.

I LOVED THE FLEXIBILITY.

NOW, IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE AND YOU ASKED LITTLE HOPE, WHAT SHE THOUGHT ABOUT THAT, SHE WOULD BE VERY FRUSTRATED SOMETIMES THAT HER MOM WOULDN'T LET HER JUST, YOU KNOW, GET A B MINUS ON A QUIZ AND KEEP GOING.

BUT IN THE, IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS, IT REALLY TAUGHT ME CURIOSITY AND PERSISTENCE AND THOSE ARE THINGS THAT I USE EVERY SINGLE DAY.

>> THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA OFFERED HOPE A SCHOLARSHIP, WHERE SHE MAJORED IN COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES.

SHE WAS TAUGHT, AND EVENTUALLY WORKED WITH, DR. BENJAMIN PETERS, THE CHAIR OF MEDIA STUDIES.

>> I'VE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE A LONG, PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH HOPE AND TO KNOW HER AND HER COMBINATION OF BOTH JUST GENEROUS BRILLIANCE WITH LIKE HARD WORK ETHIC AND THAT THAT HAS OPENED MANY DOORS AND IT'S BEEN VERY EXCITING TO SEE THAT OVER THE LAST, YOU KNOW, DECADE PLUS OF PROGRESS.

>> AS AN UNDERGRADUATE, HOPE AND DR. PETERS COLLABORATED ON A BOOK CALLED, "DIGITAL KEYWORDS".

>> IT HAS ACCELERATED HER PATHWAY INTO WHAT SHE'S TODAY, WHICH I THINK IS A KIND OF LEADING PUBLIC LIGHT FOR THINKING ABOUT PUBLIC CONTESTS.

RIGHT?

SO HOW DO YOU THINK ABOUT CONTESTED ISSUES IN PUBLIC?

AND THAT'S NOT ONLY DOES THAT LEAD NATURALLY TO THE SUPREME COURT.

>> IT'S HELPED HER THINK ABOUT >> OR, AS ONE OF HER FORMER PROFESSORS WOULD OFTEN SAY: >> SHE WOULD QUOTE MARY PARKER FETT WHO SAID, ALL POLISHING HAPPENS BY FRICTION.

AND I THINK THAT WHEN CHANNELED INTO SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE, THAT FRICTION DOES INDEED POLISH.

AND I THINK THAT IT'S AN HONOR TO GET TO BE PART OF THAT PROCESS.

>> AFTER GRADUATING WITH HONORS, FORSYTH EARNED ANOTHER SCHOLARSHIP TO THE TU SCHOOL OF LAW, GRADUATING IN 2018.

>> NOT SURPRISINGLY, HOPE GRADUATED AS THE VALEDICTORIAN OF HER LAW CLASS, SINCE THEN SHE'S PRACTICED PRIVATE LAW, BUT SHE'S CALLED THIS PLACE HOME FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN TULSA.

AND SOON, SHE'LL BE IN WASHINGTON D.C., AT THE MOST IMPORTANT COURTHOUSE OF THEM ALL.

>> AND WHEN IS YOUR FIRST DAY?

>> OFFICIALLY SEPTEMBER 3.

>> SHE'S FABULOUS.

I'M THRILLED.

THIS IS, I THINK SHE'S VERY DESERVING AND I THINK THE, THE SUPREME COURT, AND I THINK SHE'S GONNA BE WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE COURT, IS VERY, VERY LUCKY TO HAVE HER.

SHE COULD TOTALLY HOLD HER OWN WITH ANY KID FROM HARVARD.

>> PROFESSOR LYN ENTZEROTH WAS THE DEAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA LAW SCHOOL WHEN HOPE ARRIVED.

>> IT'S AN INCREDIBLE REFLECTION ON HOPE AND SHE'S INCREDIBLY TALENTED, SMART, DRIVEN, THOUGHTFUL ABOUT HER CAREER AND HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE LAW AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION.

>> SUPREME FELLOWS ARE ASKED NOT TO COMMENT ON THE WORK THEY'LL BE DOING, OR WHO THEY'LL BE WORKING WITH, DURING THEIR YEAR-LONG TERM WITH THE HIGH COURT, BUT HOPE WILL SHARE THIS: >> IT'S CERTAINLY AN HONOR.

IT IS, IT'S A LITTLE SURREAL AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

EXCITED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, AND PROUD TO REPRESENT OKLAHOMA AND TU.

>> OKLAHOMA HAS PRODUCED THREE SUPREME FELLOWS SINCE THE PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1973, TWO FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, AND NOW HOPE.

THE POSITION IS NON-PARTISAN AND HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER.

HOPE WAS ONE OF EIGHT NATIONAL FINALISTS.

>> WE DID A MOCK INTERVIEW HERE TO GET ME PREPARED, GET ME READY, AND I HAD PEOPLE WHO I REALLY TRUSTED WHO HELPED ME PREPARE, AND SO I FELT AS PREPARED AS ONE COULD BE FOR SOMETHING SO MONUMENTAL.

>> FORSYTH WILL LEAVE FOR WASHINGTON D.C.

IN LATE AUGUST, AND WHILE SHE WON'T DISCUSS IT, IT'S OBVIOUS SHE'LL BE JOINING A COURT THAT IS SPLIT ALONG LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE LINES.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENS TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT IS THEY GET THE REALLY TOUGH ISSUES, THE CUTTING EDGE ISSUES, AND THEY, THAT REQUIRES THE COURT TO REALLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST FRACTIOUS ISSUES IN THE COUNTRY.

THE BEST JUDGES ARE ABLE TO DO THAT AND PUT THEIR POLITICS TO THE SIDE.

>> I COULDN'T IMAGINE A BETTER PERSON FOR SERVING AS A SUPREME COURT FELLOW.

FIRST TO NOTE, AS YOU SAY, THAT, YOU KNOW, EVERY ISSUE, EVERY WHISPER OF AN ISSUE AROUND THE SUPREME COURT IS UNFORTUNATELY ENORMOUSLY CHARGED AND PARTISAN AT THIS POINT.

BUT IT'S SIMPLY THE CASE THAT THIS PROCESS IS NONPARTISAN AND THAT HOPE'S AH, SELECTION AND ELECTION TO THIS POSITION, I THINK REALLY IS A TESTAMENT TO HER ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE AND MANAGE COMPETING INTERESTS.

>> SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE WHO MIGHT MAKE AN EXCELLENT JUDGE HERSELF ONE DAY.

>> YOU KNOW, I REALLY ENJOY BEING IN PUBLIC SERVICE.

I ALSO REALLY ENJOY MENTORSHIP AND EDUCATION.

SO I COULD SEE A FUTURE IN ACADEMIA AND OR THE COURT SYSTEM REALLY OPEN TO THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT COME MY WAY.

I, I LIKE TO PLAN AND I LIKE TO LAY FOUNDATIONS FOR THINGS, BUT I ALSO LIKE TO KEEP MYSELF OPEN FOR OPPORTUNITIES THAT I MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT UNTIL THEY PRESENT THEMSELVES.

>>> BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE- HERE'S ONE OF OUR FAVORITE NATIONAL VIEW REPORTS FROM OUR PBS PARTNERS.

FLY FISHING IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF WYOMING'S TOURISM INDUSTRY, BUT YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED AT HOW SOME OF THE FISH ARRIVE IN THE PRISTINE LAKES OF ALPINE COUNTRY.

THEY DON'T SWIM, THEY FLY.

THAT STORY COURTESY OF OUR FRIENDS AT PBS WYOMING.

>> AMIDST THE LANDSCAPE OF THE WIND RIVER RANGE, A PARADISE.

AT FIRST GLANCE, BENEATH THE SURFACE IS A SURPRISING SECRET.

LESS THAN A CENTURY AGO, NEARLY ALL OF THE LAKES WERE FISHLESS, AND THEY ARRIVED ON A ONE WAY FLIGHT.

MOST OF THE FISH BEGIN AT THE FISH HATCHERY.

>> WE'RE KEEPING TRACK OF THE -- THAT GETS STOCKED UP.

THAT'LL BE ABOUT 24,000 FISH TODAY.

>> THE MANAGEMENT OF THE WATERS, THEY REQUESTED -- [INAUDIBLE].

>> IN THE WINDS BEGIN IN 1930S WHEN THE WYOMING GAME AND FISH PARTNERED WITH THE LOCAL OUT FITTER.

STRAPPING -- ON THE BACK OF HORSES, HE STOCKED NEARLY 2.5 MILLION FISH ON BEHALF OF THE STATE.

IN THE EFFORTS, HE PAVED THE FOUNDATION TO TURNING THE THREE RIVERS TO WORLD CLASS FURBISHING TEST NATION.

-- DESTINATION.

WHEN WYOMING GAME AND FISH TOOK OVER THE RESPONSIBILITIES, TO TRANSPORT THE FISH IN THE BACKCOUNTRY.

THE WIND RIVER RANGE IS ON RUGGED TRAIL.

THE AGENCY EVENTUALLY USED TO THE HELICOPTER.

>> GREATLY INCREASED BECAUSE OF THE USE OF THE HELICOPTER.

BECAUSE WE WERE INITIALLY STOCKING THE WATERS, WE HAD -- HORSES AND IF YOU TOOK HORSES, YOU'LL HAVE MORE DAMAGE TO THE ECO SYSTEM.

AND IT'S NOT EASIER.

THEY THINK FOR ALL, A BETTER -- IN THE SURVIVAL OF THE FISH THAT'S STOCKING THE WATERS.

>> THEY MUST TAKE CAREFUL -- OF THE FISH.

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS.

>> THE FIRST TIME I'VE DONE AERIAL FISH DROPPING, THERE'S OTHER STATES THAT USE THE HELICOPTER BUT NOT USING THEM -- >> THE PILOT AT THE TIME WAS ABLE TO BUILD A TANK SYSTEM UP WITH WHAT YOU SEE NOW.

AND THE MATERIAL HE USED IS ALL FROM HARDWARE FROM THE AUTOPART STORE.

>> THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK OF THE PILOT IS TO MAKE SURE THE FISH ARE ALL DROPPED IN THEIR INTENDED DESTINATION.

>> THERE'S CABLES THAT RUN, THE PILOT HAS A TOGGLE SWITCHBOARD, AND THERE'S NUMBERS TOGGLE ONE THROUGH EIGHT.

EVERY DAY BEFORE EVERY FLIGHT I CHECK THE FLIGHT PLAN, AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT RIGHT FISH AND RIGHT SPECIES GOES TO THE RIGHT LAKE.

>> YOU GET UP IN SOME OF THE MOST REMOTE AREAS.

AND WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE IT.

YOU'RE UP THERE FOR FIVE DAYS AND DON'T SEE ANOTHER SOUL.

IT'S A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.

>> STOCKING FOR THE CHILDREN AND ADULTS TO AN AREA WHERE THEY MIGHT NOT GO.

>> THEY'RE EXPERIENCING THE WILDERNESS BY CATCHING THE FISH.

AND -- BEING ABLE TO GIVE OUT IS SOMETHING THAT MAYBE THAT'LL BENEFIT US FOR MORE THAN OUR GENERATION.

>>> COMING UP-- OUR FIRST NEWSCAST OF THE NEW YEAR!

WE'LL LOOK AHEAD TO THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

NEW LEADERSHIP AND PLENTY OF NEW MEMBERS TOO.

WE'LL DISCUSS THEIR PRIORITIES, NEXT FRIDAY AT 7PM!

WE'LL SAY SO LONG THIS WEEK WITH A LOOK AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO'S SAFARI LIGHTS, .HOT AND EDITED BY OETA'S BRANDON DOWNEY.

REMEMBER YOU CAN ACCESS ADDITIONAL NEWS CONTENT BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE, OETA.TV.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AND "X" BY SEARCHING "OETA.

O.N.R".

AND ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE, JUST SEARCH, "THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

FOR ALL OF US WHO PLAY A ROLE IN PUTTING THIS NEWSCAST ON THE AIR EACH WEEK, I'M RICH LENZ, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!