Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order ensuring support staff of public schools can be paid for the remainder of their contract despite school buildings being closed. The order clarifies any ambiguity that existed relating to the amount of paid leave and benefit coverage these employees can have during this emergency. Stitt has been seeking…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was reportedly going to require senior adults and others to file tax returns in order to receive the direct cash assistance provided by COVID-19 relief. U.S. Senator James Lankford joined a group of lawmakers urging the IRS to use Congressionally approved provisions which would get payments to senior citizens and…
Governor Kevin Stitt has launched of a new volunteer initiative to connect Oklahomans to volunteer opportunities in their communities, once health professionals determine it is safe and appropriate to do so. Oklahomans who want to volunteer can visit readyhelpgo.org and fill out a quick form with their contact information, skills and interests.
The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) is recruiting volunteers for medical and non-medical positions. Lezlie Carter, OKMRC state coordinator, said there is an increased need for those with medical training. Licensed medical professionals may be needed to assist with triage, supplementing hospital personnel, monitoring critical patients, assisting with transporting patients and providing critical care in…
The Senate Armed Services Committee, chaired by U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., got a briefing on the Department of Defense’s (DOD) response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials updated committee members on what DOD is doing to protect the force and maintain readiness, how the DOD is supporting civil authorities, and what steps DOD is taking…
Under strict health and safety protocols, the Oklahoma Legislature opened on Monday to address the expected state revenue failure and an expanded state health emergency requested by Gov. Kevin Stitt. “The Legislature will complete important business next week while putting safety at the forefront of all activities at the Capitol,” said House Speaker Charles McCall,…
Oklahoma’s 2020 candidate filing period for federal, state, and legislative offices will occur as scheduled, Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced. The three-day filing period runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8-10. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the secretary is encouraging candidates for federal, state, and legislative offices to file their…
While the pandemic has left the country with a shortage of personal protective equipment and ventilators, it has also resulted in a depleted supply of blood. With the need for blood at an all-time high, State Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, has partnered with the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) to host mobile blood drives to combat…
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Diagnostic Laboratory is now operational as an approved COVID-19 diagnostic lab, dramatically increasing Oklahoma’s testing capabilities. The lab does not test individuals for the virus, but rather analyzes samples sent by health care providers. Using Thermo Fisher diagnostic machines, the lab is capable of analyzing more than 2,000 samples…
The coronavirus pandemic is forcing Macy’s to furlough the majority of its r130,000 employees. All of Macy’s stores, including the retail store in Woodland Hills Mall, have been closed since March. Because of online sales, Macy’s distribution center in Tulsa is expected to have fewer furloughs. More than a thousand workers are in the Tulsa…