Oklahoma Watch · Stillwater Schools Settle Sexual Misconduct Suit Jennifer Palmer reports on the settlement of a lawsuit brought by a former Stillwater middle school student over the sexual misconduct of one of her teachers, Alberto Morejon, who played a high-profile role in 2018’s teacher walkout before he was convicted of Engaging in Sexual Communication […]
Posted inFact Briefs
Has Oklahoma’s registered voter turnout rate been 30% in recent elections?
According to statistics released by the Oklahoma State Election Board, 70% of registered Oklahomans voted in the 2020 general election. An additional independent analysis incorporating consideration of issues such as variability of registration methods and requirements concluded 55% of Oklahoma’s entire voting-eligible population participated in the general election. That placed the state last in turnout […]
Posted inDemocracy
Oklahoma Lawmakers Again Take Aim at Ballot Initiatives
Direct democracy advocates fear a proposal to require signature collection in all 77 counties would severely hinder Oklahoma’s initiative petition process.
Posted inEducation
Lawsuit Reveals New Details About Walkout Leader’s Sexting Case
Stillwater Public Schools settled a lawsuit over teacher Alberto Morejon, who was convicted for sexting a student, but would not disclose details of the agreement.
Posted inHousing
Breaking Camp: Lawmakers Take Aim at Homeless Encampments on State Land
Two nearly identical bills are moving through the Oklahoma State Capitol 2024 Session that aim to keep people experiencing homelessness off state lands. Sen. Darrell Weaver said his goal in authoring SB 1854 is to keep homeless people from sleeping under highway overpasses. The bills could fine or imprison people who, during their darkest times, refuse. The bills may also be unconstitutional.
Posted inUncategorized
Long Story Short: Federal lawsuit filed in the death of Shannon Hanchett.
Oklahoma Watch · Federal lawsuit filed in the death of Shannon Hanchett. Paul Monies talks about the latest on Gov. Kevin Stitt’s cabinet moves after the attorney general questioned some of his appointments. Keaton Ross discusses a federal lawsuit that claims the Cleveland County Detention Center is culpable in the death of Shannon Hanchett. Shaun […]
Posted inFact Briefs
Is the Oklahoma legislature considering a bill to compile a database of women who have had abortions?
Oklahoma House Bill 3216, which passed the House Public Health Committee but is awaiting a general House vote as of Mar. 4, 2024, would mandate a database of patients who have received abortion services in Oklahoma. Privacy concerns raised in committee prompted the author, Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, to promise an amendment after approval by […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Subpar Care Led to Cleveland County Detainee’s Death, Federal Lawsuit Claims
Shannon Hanchett’s physical and mental health deteriorated rapidly after being booked into the jail, the lawsuit claims, noting that medical staff did not evaluate her for more than 72 hours after arriving at the jail.
Posted inFact Briefs
Does Oklahoma allow abortion in cases of mental health emergency?
Under current state law, Oklahoma only permits abortions to avert the pregnant patient’s death or irreversible and significant impairment of physical bodily function. Statute §63-1-745.5 explicitly excludes psychological or emotional conditions and consideration of a patient’s intent to engage in conduct that would cause death or disability as exemptions from the state abortion ban. Oklahoma […]
Posted inVulnerable Populations
Oklahoma’s Foster Family Shortage Forces Children From Their Communities
One-third of Oklahoma kids in foster care were moved at least two counties away increasing the strain on youth, foster parents, caseworkers and families trying to regain custody.