Long Story Short

Jennifer Palmer investigates a recent death inside the Oklahoma County jail, while reporter Andrea Eger examines why the multi-million-dollar embezzlement case against Epic Charter Schools' co-founders remains unscheduled for trial after four years of procedural delays. Plus, Keaton Ross breaks down State Question 845 and its proposed changes to Oklahoma's Judicial Nominating Commission. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Brenna Witchey breaks down findings from county audits revealing how rural sheriffs lost track of guns, cars, and even a meat slicer with millions in property marked missing. Plus, Jake Ramsey examines how a sweeping federal housing bill will impact Oklahoma's affordable housing deficit and tenant protections, while Paul Monies explores the next phase of a contentious regulatory water battle at Cedar Lake. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Andrea Eger examines an unusually public battle brewing between faculty and administration at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, while reporter Jennifer Palmer reveals significant oversight gaps in a state tax credit program that is now serving as a federal model. Plus, Raynee Howell looks into how sweeping changes to the Department of Education's loan repayment system are hitting home for Oklahomans. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Reporter Andrea Eger investigates whether a new decree from Gov. Kevin Stitt is chilling faculty recruitment at Oklahoma's regional universities, while Elizabeth Caldwell examines the severe housing barriers facing a woman released after three decades in prison. Plus, Brenna Witchey breaks down troubling state test results for educator preparation programs that raise sharp questions about their overall efficiency. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Ted Streuli.

Keaton Ross details how Oklahoma state prison inmates were put to work making political phone calls for out-of-state campaigns, while reporter Jake Ramsey examines the shutdown of Norman's A Better Way program for individuals experiencing homelessness. Plus, Brenna Witchey breaks down a massive statewide audit that flagged $25 million in questionable federal spending across state agencies. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Brenna Witchey breaks down a new state initiative aimed at curbing childhood substance abuse, while reporter Andrea Eger details key takeaways from a fact-check of the final GOP state superintendent runoff debate. Plus, Keaton Ross examines recent political ad campaigns circulating in the race for governor. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Andrea Eger breaks down what is driving the massive spike in Oklahomans' electricity bills, while Jake Ramsey examines the lack of legal recourse for tenants dealing with negligent landlords failing to provide essential services. Plus, Brenna Witchey details Oklahoma's controversial felony murder doctrine, which allows minors to be sentenced to prison for homicides they didn't directly commit. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Keaton Ross discusses Oklahoma Watch's fact-check of the August 3 debate between Republican gubernatorial candidates Mike Mazzei and Gentner Drummond, while Jennifer Palmer looks into an Oklahoma high school's resistance to following federal laws such as Title IX. Jake Ramsey details the fallout from Vesta Realty's collapse and how it has affected tenants. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Paul Monies shares how Cedar Lake residents are pointing blame at a wealthy, politically connected neighbor over severe local water problems, while Maya Henry examines the stark differences in bail schedules across 25 Oklahoma counties. Plus, Brenna Witchey breaks down new coverage on Native American student success and the federal funding deficit that threatens future progress. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Maya Henry dives into Alpha School, an expensive, controversial private school system coming to Oklahoma this fall that relies on AI with zero teachers. Andrea Eger breaks down an upcoming August 25 ballot initiative facing Oklahoma voters. Jake Ramsey exposes an out-of-state corporate landlord operating one of Oklahoma City's most active eviction pipelines. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Paul Monies examines a Republican gubernatorial candidate's surprising board attendance record, while reporter J.C. Hallman breaks down the legal questions surrounding an Insurance Commissioner candidate's swift state residency swap. Plus, Jake Ramsey details severe property mismanagement at Vesta Realty and how it's leaving local tenants in the lurch. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Keaton Ross breaks down State Question 846, a proposed constitutional amendment on voter identification in Oklahoma. Maya Henry looks into a little-known campaign funding rule that could make running for office more accessible for parents. J.C. Hallman joins to discuss two major homeowners insurance stories currently sweeping the state. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Andrea Eger reveals how Edmond Public Schools renewed several administrator contracts only to eliminate their positions weeks later. Plus, Paul Monies reports on lower Medicaid payment estimates for Oklahoma hospitals, and summer intern Maya Henry breaks down the consequences of the expiration of a 2021 harm reduction law. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

J.C. Hallman discusses the climax of the State Farm and Hursh saga following a major Supreme Court ruling, while intern Maya Henry investigates a surge in bail scams that victims say law enforcement is failing to adequately address. Plus, Stephen Martin details how a new $72 million transmission line built to fix Oklahoma's power congestion has instead sparked secret real estate deals and attracted power-hungry AI data centers. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Keaton Ross and summer intern Maya Henry track a historic flood of outside political spending and targeted ad campaigns shaking up the June 16 primary elections. Plus, as states push forward with artificial intelligence laws despite federal warnings, reporter Andrea Eger reveals why nearly all AI legislation in the Oklahoma Legislature has hit a dead end. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Reporter Andrea Eger heads to Inola to find the local residents who actually want a controversial $4 billion aluminum smelter built in their town. Plus, Jennifer Palmer and Maya Henry investigate a major shift in how Oklahoma county jails handle inmate visitations, and Jake Ramsey breaks down the complex factors driving the homelessness crisis in Norman. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Stephen Martin breaks down how oversupply and regulation are crashing Oklahoma's cannabis boom, while Elizabeth Caldwell investigates how two gubernatorial candidates view a massive proposed aluminum smelter in Inola. Plus, Paul Monies details an investigation into the state treasurer's frequent use of a state vehicle to commute to a rural satellite office. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

J.C. Hallman discusses the devastating fallout of a fatal Panhandle accident, while reporter Andrea Eger takes the temperature of classrooms navigating a massive legislative overhaul of how Oklahoma children learn to read. Plus, Jennifer Palmer details a new federal crackdown on the soaring, hidden costs of youth sports, from steep registration fees to mandatory "stay-to-play" hotel rules. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Reporter Paul Monies digs deeper into the state's Invest in Oklahoma program, tracking a campaign contribution linked to State Treasurer Todd Russ's re-election campaign. Plus, J.C. Hallman returns with an exclusive look into a mysterious State Farm whistleblower with deep Oklahoma roots, and Jake Ramsey breaks down the proposed eviction reform bills from this year's legislative session. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Oklahoma's education funding paradox takes center stage as Andrea Eger untangles why historic state investments clash with rock-bottom national rankings. Plus, Raynee Howell explores how global conflicts are squeezing local soybean farmers, and Jennifer Palmer breaks down the most consequential new education laws. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Ben Fenwick breaks down how an ultra-ideological faction is quietly capturing control of the state Republican Party and targeting incumbent lawmakers. Plus, Paul Monies reports on the fallout after the governor's former chief of staff wins a bid to manage key state pension assets, and Keaton Ross examines an upcoming state question proposing a gradual minimum wage increase to $15 per hour. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Investigative leads from Jennifer Palmer reveal the missed warning signs behind the tragic dog mauling of an Oklahoma City toddler, while J.C. Hallman explores the high-stakes mystery surrounding a deputy's death and the journals he left behind. Plus, Jake Ramsey examines new data exposing how Oklahoma's eviction process is being used as a tool for rent collection. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

A previously unseen toxin surfaces in Oklahoma, raising urgent questions about the safety of industrial biosolids and the transparency of our air-monitoring systems. Plus, we look at the rising trend of Republican primary challengers vowing to reject lobbyist gifts, and the latest developments in the ongoing investigation into financial links within the state's Invest in Oklahoma program. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Deep dives into accountability and legal stalemates lead this week's episode. Investigative reporter Andrea Eger explores a lingering thread in the Epic Charter Schools investigation that just wouldn't stay buried, while J.C. Hallman details a high-stakes standoff between State Farm and a retired federal judge over a hidden adjuster's report. Plus, Keaton Ross breaks down the legislative push to tighten Oklahoma's conflict-of-interest laws. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Reporter Paul Monies investigates the state's hiring of a private firm to manage pension fund deals, while Jake Ramsey breaks down a high-stakes lawsuit against Vesta Realty CEO Marc Kulick. Plus, J.C. Hallman reports on a pivotal hearing for CompSource Mutual, the state's former "insurer of last resort." Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Homeowners insurance disputes hit the high court as the Hursh family's battle with State Farm reaches the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Plus, we look at the human cost of corporate housing through the lens of a recent Edmond eviction, and Paul Monies breaks down the legislative state questions set to shape the August primary runoff. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Struggling developers face a high-stakes paradox as they fight to revive Oklahoma's dilapidated properties. Plus, we dive into the potential fallout of the state's Republican primary and launch a new series, Unaccountable, with a look at the unsettling reality of bike stops in Duncan. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

A sudden leadership shakeup at the state's tech-startup agency and a new policy allowing e-cigarette sales in Oklahoma prisons. We also return to the complex world of state guardianship with three interconnected stories on the system's impact. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Plans unfold for the nation's largest aluminum plant at the Port of Inola, sparking a clash between economic promises and local outcry. Plus, we examine a possible $175 million surge in federal immigration funding for Oklahoma law enforcement and AG Gentner Drummond's escalating legal battle over a controversial Jewish charter school application. Catch these stories and more on the latest Long Story Short with Shaun Witt.

Stephen Martin's latest takes a look at Oklahoma's fatal police encounters, ranking third in the nation. Jake Ramsey wrote about problems that have continued to pile up at rental properties owned by Vesta Realty. Paul Monies has an update on the planned conversion of the state's largest workers compensation insurer to a new type of company. Shaun Witt hosts.

J.C. Hallman's work on State Farm continued with a story about two motion to dismiss hearings in Chickasha. Keaton Ross wrote about legislative efforts to change how Oklahoma courts determine bond amounts. Jennifer Palmer on Oklahoma's fall in the state education rankings. Shaun Witt hosts.

J.C. Hallman updates the State Farm hail claim saga, Paul Monies details shifts in the state's $2.2 billion tobacco trust fund, and Ben Fenwick examines the rise of "Operation Guardian" immigration enforcement. Shaun Witt hosts.

Keaton Ross reported on ongoing technical issues that have prevented municipal voters from accessing campaign finance reports. Paul Monies looked into how one state agency is dealing with the uncertainty over federal funds under the Trump administration and government shutdowns. Elizabeth Caldwell updates us on the case of Stillwater teenager Jesse Butler who was convicted last year on 11 counts related to rape and strangulation. He received a sentence of counseling and community service, which has caused an outcry. Shaun Witt hosts.

Jake Ramsey discusses the proposed Senate Bill 1545. Paul Monies has an update on some of the lawsuits still pending stemming from the significant natural gas costs for Oklahoma utility customers following a winter storm in 2021. Keaton Ross talks about how Republican gubernatorial candidates have loaned themselves millions to launch their campaigns ahead of the June 16 primary election. Shaun Witt hosts.

Stephen Martin provides an overview of recent developments in the Farm Bill and its specific impact on Oklahoma farmers. Jennifer Palmer's latest story digs into the latest school enrollment data for Oklahoma public schools. Ginnie Graham wrote about a projected $18 million deficit at the OU School of Community Medicine in Tulsa and how it is addressing the shortfall. Shaun Witt hosts.

Stephen Martin's latest story was a deep dive into the Survivors' Act and how, a year after it became law, implementation hasn't been what everyone hoped. Paul Monies looked into the large numbers of lawmakers running for higher office and how they are able to keep their leadership positions in the Legislature. J.C. Hallman returns with another story about State Farm, which over the past two months has come under significant scrutiny over bad-faith roof claims. This story is a little different and much more tragic. Ted Streuli hosts.

Jake Ramsey detailed several proposed bills in the upcoming legislative session that could provide balance to Oklahoma's Landlord-Tenant Act. Keaton Ross reported on a dip in parole grant rates when the five-member Pardon and Parole Board is operating at reduced capacity. After reporter J.C. Hallman's latest story focuses on an Edmond family and offers details on State Farm practices across the country. Ted Streuli hosts.

Ben Fenwick examined Oklahoma's high burnout rate among family caregivers. Jennifer Palmer digs into the behind-the-scenes chaos of the financial crisis at Epic Charter School. J.C. Hallman looks at Molly Bullock's years of reporting on the Arkansas River to examine if Oklahoma is at risk for a catastrophic flood similar to the one that killed 138 people in Texas in July 2025. Ted Streuli hosts.

Keaton Ross reported on a settled dispute over Oklahoma's medical parole statute. Paul Monies looked into the Oklahoma State Department of Health and its policy in not sharing measles cases by county. On Dec. 30, Oklahoma County District Court Judge Amy Palumbo issued an important ruling in Attorney General Gentner Drummond's motion to intervene in cases involving State Farm. J.C. Hallman has been covering the story for weeks now. Ted Streuli Hosts.

J.C. Hallman's coverage of insurance in Oklahoma continued this week with a wrap-up of voices responding to the Oklahoma Insurance Department's suggestions of new insurance laws for the legislative session starting in February. Keaton Ross reported that Oklahoma's prison population increased for a third consecutive year in 2025. Reporter Paul Monies looked into the spread of the Save Oklahoma Plan, a conservative policy proposal developed by a freshman lawmaker that has been adopted by some statewide GOP candidates. Shaun Witt hosts.

Jake Ramsey on an out-of-state trailer park owner hiking rents and forcing vulnerable tenants into rent-to-own deals. Keaton Ross about the Ethics Commission's decision to restore public access to an online campaign finance database. A couple weeks ago, J.C. Hallman broke the story of a large number of lawsuits involving State Farm Insurance Company, and followed that up with news of Attorney General Gentner Drummond stepping in to intervene in the case with a charge that the insurance giant may be guilty of racketeering. Now, J.C. does a deep dive on the history of insurance and racketeering. Shaun Witt hosts.

Paul Monies looked into delays by the Commissioners of the Land Office that led to the state missing out on revenue from a data center on school lands. Keaton Ross wrote about the Oklahoma Department of Corrections' refusal to release body camera footage under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Ted Streuli hosts.

Jake Ramsey reported on the effects of the government shutdown on evictions. Ginnie Graham's latest story explored the unique challenges rural areas have when trying to quantify homelessness. J.C. Hallman filed two more stories about insurance in Oklahoma this time about a series of cases involving State Farm and homeowners' insurance.

Paul Monies has more on Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ's continuing efforts to change the investment focus of the state's tobacco settlement trust fund. Jennifer Palmer talked to a domestic violence advocate who resigned in protest from the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. J.C. Hallman's published a second piece about the effort of CompSource Mutual to “demutualize.” Ted Streuli hosts.

Keaton Ross' latest is about an ongoing legal challenge to a bill that makes it more cumbersome to get an initiative petition on the ballot. J.C. Hallman explores how the idea of competition is defined in Oklahoma law, and what that has to do with how much you pay to insure your home. Maria Guinnip reported the latest installment in our series “Justice in No Man's Land”. Shaun Witt hosts.

Elizabeth Caldwell discusses allegations at a Coweta middle school and one man's vigilante-style approach to bring attention to the problem. Jake Ramsey covered the eviction of Barbara Grimm, which highlighted the lack of representation tenants have in eviction court. Jennifer Palmer talks about State Superintendent Lindel Fields' suggestion that Oklahoma consider lengthening its school year. Ted Streuli hosts.

Keaton Ross on the FCC's rollback of a rate cap that brought reduced phone call rates to Oklahoma prisoners and their families. Jennifer Palmer's latest story looks into alarming data on gun suicides among older adults. Ben Fenwick on a unique bit of culture shock that people moving into Oklahoma sometimes experience. Ted Streuli hosts.

Jake Ramsey went on a ride-along with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department as the officer served evictions and talks about what he saw. Keaton Ross wrote about former Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe taking a job with a company that he approved a state contract for in April. Ted Streuli hosts.

Jennifer Palmer's latest story delves into the Oklahoma City Police Department's refusal to release certain police reports. Keaton Ross breaks down several new laws set to take effect on Nov. 1. Paul Monies looked into the rising cost of homeowners' insurance in Oklahoma after a pair of legislative hearings at the Capitol. Shaun Witt Hosts.

Jake Ramsey reported on the number of households in Oklahoma that struggled to afford the necessities, leaving these renters cost-burdened. Keaton Ross wrote about ongoing confusion over Oklahoma's medical parole statute. Paul Monies discusses a plan by the state's largest workers' compensation insurer to transform itself into a new type of company. Ted Streuli hosts.

Jennifer Palmer's latest story dives into the recently released student test scores from the spring. Keaton Ross discusses a recent interim study on the issue of dark money spending in Oklahoma elections. Jennifer Palmer talks about the newly appointed Lindel Fields, who replaced Ryan Walters and is set to serve the remaining 15 months of his term. Ted Streuli hosts.