Public Affairs

The sun broke through the clouds as Oklahoma’s new governor, Kevin Stitt, began his inaugural address on the south steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol with 3,000 in attendance. The governor emphasized the five pillars of education, economics, infrastructure, health care and efficiencies that could turn Oklahoma into a top-10 state.

A new year is a good reminder to safeguard those prescription medications before guests of all ages visit your home. When family and friends are in your home, continuously monitor your medicines for missing or outdated pills, and never keep leftover prescriptions.

In the March 1980 Republican primaries, George Bush had already lost what he called his “Big Mo” to Ronald Reagan. He bounded off his campaign plane in conservative Augusta, Georgia, for another obligatory meeting with local reporters.

Healthy families raise healthy children. The OKC-County Health Department’s Health at School program partners with local schools to help them become healthier places for staff, students and families. One way we do this is through the use of Community Health Workers (CHWs).

Networking is important to successful business dealings. Whether it is making an impression on your CEO or reaching out to an acquaintance to explore mutual business opportunities, it matters who you know and who knows you.

The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors is working hard to build Oklahoma. Continued investment in our state’s roads and bridges guarantees safe transportation for families.

Here’s what to expect on the Nov. 6 ballot:

The Nov. 6 ballot will have five state questions:

Oklahoma football season is finally here. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and Oklahoma Department of Transportation want you to drive safely so you can cheer on your favorite high school or college football team.

CBS’ Steve Hartman goes On the Road with Kayla McKeon, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. Kayla lobby’s U.S. Congress advocating for the passage of laws that would give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to earn fair and equal wages.

Runoff elections will decide the final slate of candidates for the Nov. 6 general election.

President Donald J. Trump hosted his second annual “Made in America” product showcase on the White House South Lawn. Small and large businesses from all 50 states were invited to join this year’s celebration. “We are here today to celebrate the greatest products in the world — products made with American heart, American sweat and American pride,” Trump said.

Some good news about a state agency. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation swept six of 12 awards at a western wildlife association annual conference held in Oregon this month.

Since 1954, the world’s most coveted marketing Lion Awards have been announced at Cannes International Festival of Creativity in France. Oklahoma’s Jones PR won a Gold Lion for its National Down Syndrome Society work, as part of Saatchi & Saatchi in New York.

The Oklahoma primary elections with multiple run-off races are set for late August. Some notes:

The Noble Research Institute and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research are working to promote soil health through the development/adoption of new cover crops across the United States. The project’s current focus is to identify species with the greatest potential as cover crops.

Produced by WGBH Boston, “MOLLY OF DENALI” is an action-adventure comedy that follows the adventures of feisty and resourceful 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl.

OKC-County Health Department (OCCHD) is a data-driven organization, focused on directing resources to areas of our community where the greatest impact can be made. Every few years the Wellness Score is released, providing a summary of community health status.

During Zuckerberg’s visit to Capitol Hill, both the Senate and House Energy and Commerce Committee (HECC) showed interest in regulations for tech companies. Zuckerberg is open to this “if it’s the right regulation,” but warned that some forms of regulation could be burdensome to tech startups.

It took four days for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to reach the H-1B visa cap for the 2019 fiscal year. This is the sixth consecutive year it was met within a week.

With Earth Day and the official start of spring, April is one of the best months of the year to focus on the health and wellness of your community. It’s also national awareness month for several great causes and the incredible nonprofit foundations that benefit them. Here are a few to keep in mind when you’re looking for ways to give back this month:

Behavioral health impacts our state in ways we don’t directly see. The Oklahoma Behavioral Health Association launched “Care for Care” to help more than half a million Oklahomans unable to access mental health and substance abuse services they need.

Community leaders and students impacted by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program joined FWD.us for a teleforum call to discuss education and immigration.

Who wins political races with nearly 80% of the vote? Mayor-elect David Holt. He proved that a candidate can unite people from across all political spectrums, demographics and all geographic regions for a common goal of moving a city forward.

America is in the throes of a prescription opioid epidemic, and tragically Oklahoma is close to ground zero — costing us thousands of lives and billions of dollars. Consider: four out of five heroin users started out using prescription drugs.

In December 2017, Congress passed a rewrite of the American tax code. Based on simplicity, efficiency, equability and predictability, changes to this federal tax law reveal a positive impact on Oklahomans.

I painted the men and women veterans in “Portraits of Courage” to honor their service and show my respect for their sacrifice and courage. I hope to draw attention to the challenges some face when they transition to civilian life – and the need for our country to better address them.

Women are making their voices heard at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

According to breastcancer.org, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Because of this alarming statistic, October turns pink each year as it becomes dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

OU Adjunct Professor of Human Relations Sage Mauldin recently facilitated a panel on “Pursuing Social Justice Through Public Office” that included viewpoints across the political spectrum.

Most college graduates today did not experience “online education” until their higher education years.

It’s no secret STEM-related careers are among the fastest-growing jobs in America.