Long Story Short

Paul Monies discusses the first half of the legislative session, which saw a new budget process used by the Senate and leadership elections on the GOP side. Keaton Ross breaks down where criminal justice legislation stands at the Legislature’s unofficial halfway point. Both join for a roundtable to close. Shaun Witt hosts.

Jennifer Palmer talks about a state Education Department contract to get more national press for state superintendent Ryan Walters. Paul Monies has continued to follow the fallout from the huge run-up in natural gas costs from a winter storm in early 2021. Keaton Ross talks about two legislative proposals that would make it more difficult to get a state question on the ballot.

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 with a Minor by Use of Technology. Paul Monies and Ted Streuli discuss Sunshine Week and government transparency.

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 Witt hosts.

Heather Warlick reports on the push to follow 10 other jurisdictions that make it possible to seal or expunge eviction records. Keaton delves into the end of the state sales tax on groceries and Paul Monies discusses proposed changes to medical debt collections practices. Ted Streul hosts.

Keaton Ross reports on a bill that would ban ranked choice voting throughout Oklahoma, Jennifer Palmer discusses Gov. Kevin Stitt's second failed attempt to sue ClassWallet, and Paul Monies explains how much money the Legislature has to spend this year. Ted Streuli hosts.

Keaton Ross reports on a homicide victim at the Lawton Correctional Center whose body went undiscovered for more than three hours. Keaton also discusses proposed changes to Oklahoma's commutation rules and Jennifer Palmer reports that independent inspections of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics will resume after a hiatus of more than 15 years. Ted Streuli hosts.

Paul Monies discusses what Gov. Kevin Stitt did -- and didn't -- say in this sixth State of the State speech, Jennifer Palmer talks about the firestorm wake of our reporting that the Department of Education asked nine teachers to return all or part of their bonuses, and Paul Monies explains why two Republican election officials were given the boot. Ted Streuli hosts.

Whitney Bryen reports on a new law that could make it easier for judges, mental health providers and police to commit a person for psychiatric treatment. She also reports on Oklahoma Watch's lawsuit against Ponca City. Jennifer Palmer reports on the response to the state Department of Education's attempt to recover $290,000 in teacher bonuses. Ted Streuli hosts.

Keaton Ross reports on a democracy bill facing the Legislature this session, including one that would make it harder for Oklahomans to propose their own laws. Keaton also reports on criminal justice bills, one of which would increase the possible penalty for strangulation during a domestic violence event. Paul Monies surveys the effect of expanded gubernatorial powers five years after their passage. Ted Streuli hosts.