Oklahoma News Ryan Walters names Libs of TikTok creator to Oklahoma school library panel: An out-of-state conservative running the far-right-wing social media account Libs of TikTok will sit on an Oklahoma committee reviewing school library content. [Oklahoma Voice] - Ryan Walters appoints Libs of TikTok creator to OSDE Committee [The Black Wall Street Times]
- Libs of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik appointed to Oklahoma's library review committee [The Oklahoman]
- Who is Chaya Raichik? Everything to know about the Libs of TikTok creator [The Oklahoman]
- State Superintendent Ryan Walters taps far-right media personality for school library committee [Public Radio Tulsa]
- Oklahoma lawmakers, educators concerned over 'Libs of TikTok' creator's appointment to education committee [KFOR]
- Libs of TikTok creator named to advisory group on Oklahoma school libraries [Tulsa World]
- Editorial: Libs for TikTok creator unworthy of representing Oklahoma's children [Editorial / Tulsa World]
State Government News Proposal that would force Oklahoma judges to retire at 75 stokes concern: Some in the legal community are concerned about legislation that would require judges to retire at 75. But the author said Senate Bill 1672 is needed because the Oklahoma Supreme Court over the years has invalidated reforms Republicans worked very hard to pass after a century of Democratic control. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma state lawmaker apologizes for bill labeling 'Hispanic' gang members terrorists. Fellow lawmakers say it's not enough: An Oklahoma state lawmaker says he will now change the language of a bill he proposed that designates anyone "of Hispanic descent" that is "a member of a criminal street gang" and convicted of a "gang-related offense" a terrorist. [CNN] How can Oklahoma address artificial intelligence? Stitt task force offers guidance.: A new task force created by Gov. Kevin Stitt recommends the state hire a chief artificial intelligence officer to oversee public sector use of the emerging technology, manage its risks and promote AI innovation within government. [Oklahoma Voice] - Stitt embraces AI as means to shift state workers to private sector [Tulsa World]
State lawmaker files bill to add optional autism identifier to state-issued ID: Rep. Nicole Miller of Edmond authored the bill, with the purpose to help those with autism when interacting with law enforcement. The bill is set to be heard during the upcoming legislative session, beginning on Feb. 5. [News 9] Federal Government News U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen backs 'decriminalization of cockfighting': Wrapping up his comments before a newly formed game fowl group in Kentucky, Anthony DeVore buoyed their spirits by touting the political clout his similar chicken-breeding organization has back in Oklahoma. On Dec. 9, he told members of the Kentucky Game Fowl Commission at their first meeting in Langley, Kentucky, that his group in Oklahoma has the political support of U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK2). [NonDoc] Voting and Election News Oklahoma primaries: Everything you need to know for the 2024 presidential election: As the nation's attention is on former U.S. President Donald Trump's Iowa Caucus victory Monday night, you may be wondering: when are the primary elections in Oklahoma? And, who's on the ballot? [The Oklahoman] Long Story Short: Bill Would Make it Harder to get an Initiative on the Ballot (Audio): 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. [Oklahoma Watch] Health News What Oklahoma counties made the list of the unhealthiest in the country?: Oklahoma's two most populous counties are among the top 25 unhealthiest counties in the nation, according to a recent study by Velotric. [The Oklahoman] Some Hillcrest patients' personal info hacked in cyberattack on Ardent Health: Some Hillcrest patients have received notification from the health care system's parent company that their personal information, including Social Security numbers, was hacked in a November cyberattack. [Tulsa World] Criminal Justice News Racial disparity persists at Oklahoma County jail despite overall population decrease: The population of Oklahoma County's jail is significantly lower than it was eight years ago, but racial disparity persisted among its population in 2022. More Black detainees made up the jail's population than white detainees. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma is begging the Supreme Court not to make it kill Richard Glossip: The case against Richard Glossip fell apart. Even the state's Republican attorney general says he should not be executed. The Supreme Court may not care. [Vox] - Oklahoma death row inmate's case to be heard by U.S. Supreme Court [KGOU]
Housing & Economic Opportunity Woman says landlord evicted family after demanding flood, mold repairs: A woman says her landlord evicted her family after she refused to pay rent until her landlord cleaned mold and water damage in their apartment. [KFOR] Economy & Business News Tulsa, Oklahoma City airports report travel uptick in 2023: Tulsa International Airport reached levels not seen since 2008. Ending last year with over 3 million passengers, which is considered a high mark since nearly 3.3 million airport passengers went through the airport in 2008. Will Rogers Airport reported more than 4 million passengers in 2023, also an increase to pre-pandemic levels. [KOSU] Education News Board members allege illegal meetings in Gist resignation, Johnson appointment: Two Tulsa Public Schools board members have filed a lawsuit alleging their colleagues broke state law — including in the resignation of the district's former superintendent, and appointing her replacement. [Public Radio Tulsa] - Superintendent Ebony Johnson: TPS lawsuit disheartening and divisive [Tulsa World]
General News FERC holds Grand River Dam Authority responsible for Northeast Oklahoma flooding: After decades of frequent flooding in Miami and other Northeastern Oklahoma towns along the Neosho River, a federal regulatory agency has determined the Grand River Dam Authority is responsible. Now, GRDA has been ordered to purchase frequently flooded lands upstream of Grand Lake. [KOSU] How Would MLK Advise Us To Face Today's Challenges?: Tulsans voice different perspectives. [Opinion / Oklahoma Eagle] Oklahoma Local News - Brookside town hall kicks off 2024 Tulsa mayor's race [Tulsa World]
- 'A legal giant': Public defender Bob Ravitz dies at 71 [NonDoc]
- Proposed 1,907-foot OKC skyscraper needs new zoning approval [Journal Record]
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