The OU Weekly

'Learning in its Purest Form'

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or “OLLI" is a program available at OU for adults 50 years and older. From The Evolution of the Arab-Israeli Conflict to Hip Hop for Baby Boomers, the program offers more than 50 options and has something for just about everyone. Senior news reporter Ari Fife tells stories of lifelong learning at OU's OLLI in our season finale episode.

'Does God Hate?'

For some members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, the church has represented a spiritual haven; for others, the church has left deeply traumatic wounds. News managing editor Jillian Taylor tells the stories of how religious love and hate toward the queer community has impacted four Oklahomans and what remains to be done in creating affirming spiritual environments for all. NOTE: This episode contains mentions of suicide. If you or someone you love is struggling, you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

'We've always been here': OU's Native American Heritage Month

November is National Native American Heritage Month, a month to celebrate Indigenous cultures and remember the long, complex history of Indigenous communities in the country. As current Indigenous students make their way through degrees at the university, several have found ways to celebrate and connect with their cultures, all while finding a sense of community in a state whose history has left many with generational trauma. News reporter Kaly Phan tells the story of how three Indigenous students are leaving their mark on the university.

Fight for Life on Oklahoma's Death Row

Oklahoma’s 6-year, self-imposed moratorium on execution ended this February when the state announced it would proceed with scheduling 7 executions. Julius Jones waits next in line for lethal injection — a process the state has botched multiple times — for a crime he maintains he didn’t commit. News editor Jonathan Kyncl explains Oklahoma's history with capital punishment and breaks down the fights for the life of Julius Jones and justice for Paul Howell.

Behind the Boundary Lines: Redrawing Norman's Wards

Norman's city council is no stranger to conflict. Now, a new controversy has surfaced: allegations of gerrymandering while redrawing ward boundary lines. Daily news reporter Peggy Dodd tells the story of how these accusations came to be and where the process is headed.