A divided Legislature passed a new congressional map Friday that could transform Oklahoma’s political landscape for the next decade.
Posted inVideos
The Invisibles: Dealing With a Gambling Addiction
Nearly eight years into addiction recovery, Nicole Zoellner is still paying off $180,000 in gambling debt.
Posted inDemocracy
As Israel-Hamas War Sparks Campus Protests, Oklahoma Higher Education Officials Take Free Speech Training
As campuses across the country see protests over the Israel-Hamas War, Oklahoma’s Free Speech Committee wants to ensure Oklahoma colleges and universities can be centers of robust discussion and peaceful protests without trampling on individual rights.
Posted inFact Briefs
Is Oklahoma ranked the most business-friendly state?
According to rankings from US News, Forbes, the World Economic Forum, CNBC, WalletHub, and the Tax Foundation, Oklahoma does not rank in the top 10 of states that are best for business. Various outlets constructed their 2023 rankings based on diverse metrics such as economic strength, tax policies, workforce availability, cost of doing business, legal […]
Posted inPodcasts
Long Story Short: House Rejects Resolution to Change Oklahoma’s Judicial Selection Process
Oklahoma Watch · LSS 04-24-2024 Keaton Ross reports on a legislative attempt to eliminate the state’s Judicial Nominating Committee and a lawsuit brought by state prisoners who were locked in a shower stall instead of a cell. Paul Monies talks about teacher confusion over certification tests. Ted Streuli hosts.
Posted inEducation
Last Year’s Teacher Pay Raise Hasn’t Slowed Resignations — Yet
A crush of school departures occurred last year, even as the state implemented the largest salary increase for educators since 2018. Districts say there are signs for optimism.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Oklahoma Prisoners Confined to Shower Stalls Sue Corrections Department
Seven state prisoners claim their confinement in three-by-three foot shower stalls for days amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.
Posted inEducation
Prospective Teachers Get Clarity After Questions Swirl About Certification Exam
Education message boards attracted scores of comments from educators who signed up for the Praxis test or already took it and were told by someone at the department the Praxis exam may not count for their teacher certification. Those fears were ultimately unfounded.
Posted inDemocracy
How They Voted: House Rejects Resolution to Change Oklahoma’s Judicial Selection Process
The measure would have asked voters to give the power to appoint judges back to the governor, abolishing the Judicial Nominating Commission.
Posted inPodcasts
Long Story Short: Family Member’s Eviction Attempt Ends In FlamesLong Story Short:
Oklahoma Watch · Family Member’s Eviction Attempt Ends In Flames Heather Warlick recently covered a tragic eviction case in Oklahoma City that made nationwide news. Paul Monies on developments involving the Oklahoma attorney general suit regarding Winter Storm Uri. Keaton Ross on why most state legislative races won’t appear on November’s general election ballot.
Posted inFact Briefs
Has Oklahoma introduced a bill to ban all pride flags?
Oklahoma House Bill 3217, which passed committee, would specifically prohibit government agencies from displaying flags representing LGBTQ identities on state-owned property, including public schools. However, the proposed law does not prohibit display of pride flags by private individuals or businesses in public or private spaces. Oklahoma HB 3217, known as the “Patriotism Not Pride Act”, […]
Posted inHealth
Homeless in Oklahoma: Sacrificing healthcare for daily survival
Every day is a life-or-death struggle for people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma, where finding basic survival needs like food and shelter often take priority over seeking healthcare and emergency services become primary care.