Vaccine at ‘Warp Speed’?

By Jane M. Orient, M.D.

The idea of moving at “warp speed” probably resonates with Star Wars fans. A galactic empire is impossible if it takes 100 years for a signal, much less a warship, to move from one system to another at the universal speed limit, 186,000 miles per second, the speed of light

Serious science fiction lovers know that the warp drive does not traverse space at faster-than-light speeds. It warps space, or leaps through another dimension—it takes a massive shortcut. So, what’s the shortcut for vaccine development?

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Legislature reaches 2021 budget agreement

By Staff Report

Legislative leaders announced today a Fiscal Year 2021 state budget agreement designed to hold education funding harmless while limiting most budget reductions to 4% or less amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a far better budget than many expected and that should come as a relief to the citizens who rely on core services and the agencies that serve them, given the effect of both depressed oil and gas prices and the pandemic on state revenues,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

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Tulsa Levees progress to pre-construction phase

By Staff Report

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) announced yesterday that Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite has signed the Chief’s Report for the Tulsa-West Tulsa Levees project, the formal recommendation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the improvements necessary so the Tulsa Levees can continue to minimize the risk to life and property in communities they protect from flooding. On average, once funded, it takes three years to complete a feasibility study and Chief’s Report. Because of Inhofe’s persistence, it was completed in just 19 months.

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OK begins reopen, Dems oppose

By David Arnett

Gov. Kevin Stitt

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd issued the following statement in response to Gov. Stitt’s announcement on Wednesday of plans to reopen Oklahoma businesses:

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt many of Oklahoma’s small businesses and their employees. We agree preparations must be made to safely reopen these businesses and put Oklahomans back to work but this must be done based on sound data and recommendations from public health experts.

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