Tragedy Strikes NW Oklahoma City: Identifying the Victims of a Devastating Murder-Suicide
An apparent murder-suicide killed five individuals in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. The victims are 29-year-old Cassandra Flores, 9-year-old Hillary Armendariz, 5-year-old Damaris, and 2-year-old Matias. Ruben Armendariz, 28, the suspect, died at the scene. Police suspect Ruben shot Cassandra and himself after dating. Investigation underway.
The event highlighted domestic violence in Oklahoma. The state leads the nation in domestic violence cases and third in killings. Oklahoma had almost 43,000 domestic violence calls last year, leading to roughly 1,000 charges. The Oklahoma Domestic abuse hotline and 24-hour Safeline help domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking victims. The incident highlights the need for domestic abuse awareness and services.
Victims’ neighbors and acquaintances were shocked and disbelieving. Cassandra’s closest friend Jennifer Johnson called Ruben silent and appalled by his conduct. Carol Crowell, another neighbor, said she never anticipated this and remembered seeing the kids playing in front of the home. The community is grieving the loss of five lives.
Source: 5 Killed In Apparent NW Oklahoma City Murder-Suicide Identified
Get Ready to Indulge: Oklahoma State Fair Unveils Mouthwatering Food Lineup for 2023!
The Oklahoma State Fair has announced its fresh and tasty culinary offerings for this year. Along with fair classics, guests may enjoy a range of tasty delights. The fair will run from September 14th to 24th at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds and provide a variety of different foods to suit every taste.
The new Oklahoma State Fair food offerings are flavorful and sweet, guaranteed to suit all taste buds. Deep-fried mac and cheese pieces, bacon-and-cheese loaded tater tots, and a fiery jalapeno-infused corn dog are highlights. Deep-fried Oreos, funnel cake ice cream sandwiches, and caramel apple cheesecake await sweet tooths. With so many selections, fairgoers are sure to discover something they like.
In addition to new cuisine, the Oklahoma State Fair will include a picture scavenger hunt for amusement. Visitors may enjoy wonderful meals, exhilarating rides, and interesting performances. With these intriguing new culinary choices, the fair is guaranteed to be a hit with foodies and fairgoers. Tickets are available now.
Source: Oklahoma State Fair announces foods you can try in 2023
Examining the Controversial Oklahoma Executive Order: A Closer Look at the Narrow Definition of ‘Woman’
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order limiting the definitions of “man” and “woman” based on birth sex, thus limiting transgender rights. The decree removes trans and nonbinary people from gender classifications in government, schools, and state organizations. Order language does not account for intersex people’s chromosomal variances. Stitt justified the edict as a defense against “out-of-control gender ideology” and a strategy to preserve women.
The executive order is the latest transgender rights restriction by reactionary states. Oklahoma prohibits nonbinary gender markers on birth certificates, prohibits transgender girls and women from playing female sports, and criminalizes gender-affirming medical treatment for children. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups say the rule encourages transgender discrimination and harassment. They say the law encourages transmisogyny by excluding trans women from femininity.
The far-right organisation Independent Women’s Voice prepared the presidential order’s model legislation to defend “women’s single-sex spaces” by promoting anti-trans measures. The group testified for anti-LGBTQ+ measures nationwide. LGBTQ+ campaigners say the law is hurtful and deceptive because it conflates sex with gender and excludes trans and cisgender women who do not satisfy the restrictive concept of femininity. Democratic politicians and activists oppose the executive order because it fails to address women’s rights including wage fairness and protection against gender-based violence and discrimination.
Source: This new Oklahoma executive order narrowly defines ‘woman’ | PBS NewsHour
Oklahoma Lawmakers Vow to Intervene to Protect TPS Accreditation
Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) might lose its accreditation, and two state politicians have threatened to intervene. Tulsa Democrats Regina Goodwin and Monroe Nichols voiced worries about TPS losing accreditation. Goodwin attacked State Superintendent Ryan Walters for rejecting TPS’ accreditation proposal with faults, stressing local authority. Nichols, however, will examine student human rights violations and accrediting process changes. The Tulsa Public Schools Board approved a motion requesting accreditation from the Oklahoma State Board of Education.
State politicians and the community worry about Tulsa Public Schools losing accreditation. Regina Goodwin and Monroe Nichols plan to intercede if TPS loses certification. Goodwin focused on government financing, the economy, and the beleaguered teaching workforce, while Nichols noted the possible civil rights violations and the need to rethink certification. The Tulsa Public Schools Board wants Oklahoma State Board of Education certification.
State politicians are concerned about Tulsa Public Schools losing accreditation. Tulsa Democrats Regina Goodwin and Monroe Nichols raised concerns and vow to act if TPS loses certification. Goodwin stressed local authority and chastised State Superintendent Ryan Walters for deviating from TPS’ proposal. Nichols will examine civil rights breaches and accreditation reform. The Tulsa Public Schools Board approved a motion demanding Oklahoma State Board of Education accreditation.
Source: 2 Oklahoma lawmakers say they’ll step in if TPS loses accreditation | News | fox23.com
The Miraculous Discovery: Missing 12-Year-Old El Reno Girl Found Safe and Sound
After a desperate search, investigators found a 12-year-old El Reno girl reported missing Thursday morning. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol discovered the girl safe in Weatherford. Any arrests in relation with her disappearance are unknown. Investigation underway.
The El Reno Police Department requested help finding the youngster, who left her house at 7:50 a.m. Witnesses saw her chatting to someone near a black car, then getting inside it and departing. Her consent or coercion entering the car is unknown to the cops.
Authorities shared a blurry snapshot of the girl’s car departing without a license plate number. Law enforcement issued a missing endangered kid notice, not an Amber notice. The girl is believed to be in Oklahoma, and the El Reno Police Department requests that anybody with information contact them immediately.
Source: Authorities find missing 12-year-old El Reno girl
Navigating the Challenges: Issues with Oklahoma Turnpike Tolls Frustrate State and Tribal Officials
Since 2021, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s cashless toll system, PlatePay, has been extensively utilized. Allowing cars to skip toll booths reduces accidents. The technology fails to scan license plates or correlate tag numbers to registration information in around 20% of automobiles. This cost the OTA $4.7 million, with tribal license plates contributing. Governor Kevin Stitt sued Oklahoma’s legislature leaders for overriding his vetoes on tribal compact agreements, citing toll income loss.
Governor Stitt said at a news conference that tribal license plate fees were unjust since Native Americans could travel on turnpikes without paying. The Cherokee Nation, which accounts for a third of unbilled tribal plate tolls, pledged to engage with state authorities. The OTA blamed the move to open road tolling. The OTA is seeking tribal agreements to exchange car registration information to fix the situation.
Governor Stitt has proposed an extension to the Cherokee Nation’s automobile tag compact with wording addressing the PlatePay gaffe. Instead of amending the compacts, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the tribe is already working with the state on PlatePay implementation. While the legal dispute continues, the OTA has offered an online pay option for turnpike travelers to register tribal or temporary tags, guaranteeing PlatePay system functionality.
Source: Bumps in the road: State and tribal officials face problems with Oklahoma turnpike tolls | KOSU
Oklahoma Court Ruling: A Blow to PBM Regulation
U.S. appeals court strikes down major elements of Oklahoma statute aimed at managing retail networks built by controversial pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a PBM trade association, asserted that federal law superseded the state statute. The organization argued the legislation hindered its ability to provide inexpensive health insurance. However, Oklahoma authorities said the state statute addressed PBMs, not health plans.
This ruling is a blow for those trying to limit PBMs’ pharmaceutical dominance. Long criticized for their lack of transparency and medication price influence, PBMs. The Oklahoma bill sought to restrict intermediaries and promote pharmaceutical supply chain transparency. After the court struck down crucial elements of the legislation, it’s unclear how other states would oversee PBMs.
The verdict underlines the PBM issue in healthcare. Some say PBMs cut medicine prices and promote access, while others say they raise prices and limit competition. This judgment may spark conversations and actions about PBMs in the pharmaceutical business.
Source: Court strikes down provisions in Oklahoma law that regulates PBMs
The Shocking Case of Oklahoma Teen Zachry Bailey: Unveiling the Dark Side of Youthful Fraud
Apache, OK Apache Police arrested a 19-year-old kid early Sunday morning for allegedly scamming an auto dealership of over $100,000. A criminal warrant led to Zachry Brent Bailey’s arrest after months of inquiry. Bailey sold an Acura MDX for $48,000 in April while owing just $1,713.23, according to reports. He returned in May and sold a Toyota Tundra for $66,500 despite a $2,244 loan payment. Bailey subsequently admitted to transferring loan sums fraudulently.
The dealership suspected Bailey’s young age and examined the automobile loans. After seeing the large discrepancy between Bailey’s loan sums and his claims, they notified the authorities. The banks wouldn’t provide the cars’ titles owing to loan payoffs, revealing Bailey’s deception. Bailey tried to transfer substantial quantities of money to a rental firm and a financing company, according to court filings.
Bailey also faces charges in other states for impersonating a doctor and getting luxury cars, jewelry, and gadgets. Bailey drove an older surplus police car and had a bulletproof jacket, duty belt, ammo, and a “ghost gun.” according to Texas police. The Apache Police Department’s Ben Lehew detained Bailey and found that other states’ police wanted to talk to him. Bailey has a $200,000 bail at Caddo County Jail.
Source: Oklahoma teen Zachry Bailey accused of defrauding car dealership out of $100K
Oklahoma Supreme Court to Revisit the Tulsa Race Massacre: Seeking Justice and Healing
The Oklahoma Supreme Court will review an appeal of the rejection of a case seeking restitution for the last three survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The civil appeal hearing is “extremely rare” in the court. The plaintiffs’ counsel acknowledged his clients’ joy and stressed the significance of letting a court decide what happened during the atrocity. Tulsa won’t discuss the lawsuit.
A lower state court rejected the complaint in July, leading the plaintiffs to appeal this month. The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s revival of the action provides Lessie Benningfield Randle, Viola Fletcher, and Hughes Van Ellis optimism that Tulsa would compensate their families for their difficulties. Three survivors resided in Tulsa’s Greenwood neighborhood, which burnt down during the massacre.
Plaintiffs claimed damages for “public nuisance.” harm from the tragedy in their first case. They also sought to reclaim unfair profit from the tragedy. Having a historical connection does not give the city unfettered rights to claim compensation, the city contended. The plaintiffs’ appeal asks their appearance in court before death to tell their story and get justice.
Source: Oklahoma Supreme Court to hear tulsa race massacre appeal | CNN Close icon
Bizarre Animal Alert: Oklahoma Animal Shelter Raises Concerns
Durant Animal Control is trapping invasive Coatimundi in Oklahoma. Usually found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, the Coatimundi, a raccoon-possum hybrid, is not native to the region, according to the National Park Service. They may seem friendly, but Durant Animal Control cautions that they may be unpredictable and dangerous. The Coatimundi may have killed numerous Durant cats. Animal Control and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation urge the public not to meddle with their traps.
The National Park Service says coatimundi consume insects, roots, nuts, and fruits. They are susceptible to foxes and birds of prey despite their keen fangs and claws. These invasive critters threaten area wildlife and pets, so Durant is taking action. Animal Control and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are trapping and capturing the Coatimundi.
Durant residents should avoid Coatimundi and be wary. They may look innocuous, yet their behavior may be unexpected and dangerous. Animal Control is aggressively addressing the problem to safeguard the community and animals from invading creatures.
Source: Oklahoma animal shelter warns of bizarre animal | News | fox23.com
Tragic Incident: Son Arrested for Fatally Shooting Mother in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City- As temperatures reach record highs, the city is experiencing a heatwave. The mercury reached 94 degrees on Thursday, and meteorologists estimate it to hit 95 degrees on Friday. Residents should take care to be safe and cool during this severe heat event.
The region has a heat alert from the National Weather Service, warning inhabitants of the health dangers of prolonged high temperatures. Not treating heat-related ailments like heat exhaustion and heatstroke may be fatal. Authorities advise staying inside, particularly during the warmest portions of the day, and drinking lots of water to remain hydrated.
Businesses and organizations are also helping the neighborhood deal with the weather. Citywide cooling facilities provide relief to people without air conditioning. Additionally, numerous public pools and water parks have extended their hours to help locals cool down from the heat.
Source: Man arrested after allegedly shooting his mother to death in Oklahoma City | KTUL
The Shocking Case of Cody Garde: Unveiling the Disturbing Truth Behind Incest and Murder
Oklahoma man charged with second-degree murder and incest after confessing to beating his 18-year-old sister to death. Police interviewed Cody Wayne Garde, 27, who admitted to the crimes. Authorities said the family knew about the years-long connection. The incident happened in a park behind Townsend Elementary School hours after police issued a positive school safety message on Facebook.
Garde told police he and his sister were high and having sex when she begged him to attack her. He reportedly thrashed her and brought her home before sleeping. He woke up to find his sister dead and not breathing. Family members took her to Oklahoma Heart Hospital, where doctors confirmed her death.
Garde’s criminal history includes a dismissed felony second-degree burglary conviction earlier this year. He has two misdemeanors pending. Garde faces a minimum 10-year term and a maximum life sentence for second-degree murder. The Oklahoma County Detention Center holds him without bond.
Source: Cody Garde charged with incest, murder of sister Heather Law&Crime
Taking Flight: How Pryor High School is Empowering Oklahoma Students with Aviation Skills
Oklahoma may provide a solution to the pilot and other aviation employment deficit. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission has established new initiatives in schools to accelerate aviation vocations. Pryor High School students are creating an RV-12iS aircraft from scratch. This campaign is part of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s pilot population rebuilding and aviation sector revitalization. Paula Kedy of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission reports that 87 high schools offer the AOPA program.
Tango Flight, Pryor High School’s STEM program, is one of the few in the state that lets students construct airplanes. Dr. Jenny Peters, the program’s instructor, estimates two school years to finish the project. Some students have successful flying careers after one year. One student works with RAE Corporation, while another is set to fly solo for his private pilot license following Spartan College. Allen Perry, a senior taking aviation courses, was excited to be part of the project and watch the aircraft fly.
The Pryor High School kids’ aircraft will fly by summer 2024 if everything goes well. This program helps fill the aviation industry’s pilot and other professional shortage while giving students practical experience. Oklahoma is proactive to assure a bright future for the aviation industry and its students by providing the AOPA curriculum in 87 high schools.
Source: Pryor High School Empowers Oklahoma Students with Aviation Skills
Justice Delayed but Not Denied: Oklahoma’s High Court to Review Reparations Case for Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Racial justice groups have optimism after the Oklahoma Supreme Court accepted a reparations complaint from survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Tulsa County District Judge Caroline Wall rejected the lawsuit last month, but the survivors appealed. The state’s supreme court will decide whether the dismissal was legitimate and if the matter should be reviewed by the lower court. The hundreds of survivors are demanding compensation from the city, state, and others for the white mob’s devastation of Greenwood’s once-thriving Black area.
The complaint claims the white mob’s activities continue to damage the city’s Black population under Oklahoma’s public nuisance legislation. It blames the slaughter for Tulsa’s long history of racial conflict. The state maintains that the plaintiffs failed to present a clear claim for redress and that the charges are based on contradicting historical facts. The survivors’ attorney, Damario Solomon-Simmons, claims the state’s approach denies Black victims restorative justice.
The lawsuit addresses one of the deadliest acts of brutality against Black people in U.S. history and has received attention. The hundreds-year-old survivors have fought for justice for nearly a century. The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case gives racial justice campaigners optimism that the government will atone for the Tulsa Race Massacre. The court will decide whether to remand the case to the district court for additional review, perhaps allowing survivors and their descendants to receive damages.
Source: Oklahoma’s high court will consider a reparations case from 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivors
Unveiling the Truth: Oklahoma Attorney Indicted for Fabricated Documents in the Haystack Case
A multi-county grand jury accused Ardmore attorney Jason May for submitting fake drug case records. The Ardmore Police Department found $370,000 in narcotics money during a 2019 traffic stop, leading to the indictment. May appeared in criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings connected to the event. District Attorney Greg Mashburn said the inquiry revealed that May had submitted fraudulent paperwork. The Carter County District Court will hear the charge.
On Wednesday, a federal appeals court restricted mifepristone, a major pharmaceutical abortion medicine in the US. Consumer advocacy organizations worry that “deepfake” politicians created by powerful artificial intelligence algorithms might affect the 2024 presidential election. These programs can alter movies and audio to produce convincing false material that might mislead voters.
President Joe Biden visited Wisconsin on Tuesday to promote his initiatives’ economic effect a year after the Inflation Reduction Act. Biden noted the dropping inflation rate, which is now about 3% and expected to reduce further, as a reflection of a healthy American economy. Biden has asked Congress to approve a $40 billion package, with more than half going to Ukraine, which may spark a contentious financial dispute. This proposal might create a discussion among legislators about domestic and foreign spending priorities.
Source: Oklahoma attorney indicted for fabricated documents Haystack
Controversy Unleashed: Oklahoma Faces Lawsuit Over State-Sponsored Religious Charter School Funding
The ACLU and other civil groups sued Oklahoma to stop it from supporting the US’s first Christian public charter school, triggering a religious freedoms issue. Nearly a dozen parents, education advocates, and religion leaders filed the case to stop St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School’s sponsorship and financing. The plaintiffs claim the school’s approval violates the state constitution, Oklahoma Charter Schools Act, and board rules.
According to the complaint, St. Isidore Catholic Virtual School violates state charter school statutes, including anti-discrimination legislation. Religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected traits are alleged sources of discrimination in admissions, discipline, and employment. The complaint also claims the school would indoctrinate pupils in Catholicism, breaching the state constitution and Charter Schools Act.
Parties have reacted strongly to the case. The lawsuit’s principal plaintiff, Oklahoma parent legislative action committee vice-chair Erin Brewer, termed “state-sponsored religion.” Other plaintiffs, including LGBTQ+ and disabled parents, worried about the school’s possible discrimination and influence on public schools. Faith groups in the case claimed that taxpayer-funded religious schools violate religious liberty. However, Oklahoma’s Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, called St Isidore’s approval a “win for religious liberty and education freedom.”
Oklahoma DOC Expands its Reach: New Prison Added to their Control
The Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville, Oklahoma, will be state-run on October 1 after almost 30 years. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) will take over the medium-security prison from Corecivic, a private firm since 1996. The DOC expects to save $1.4 million per year on property leases with the change. Advocates expect state authority would emphasize care and rehabilitation above profit.
Kris Steele, executive director of The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM), was optimistic about the state’s change from for-profit contracts. Due to their focus on quality of life and care rather than profit, Steele feels state-run prisons do a better job of satisfying prisoners’ requirements. Transferring the Davis Correctional Facility to state authority is a great step toward prisoner well-being.
The prison’s owner and operator, Corecivic, thanked the DOC for their 30-year cooperation. They praised their staff for helping thousands of ex-convicts prosper. The corporation will give over control to the state this autumn, assuring a smooth transition for personnel. Since Oklahoma still has one of the highest imprisonment rates per capita, activists expect reduced incarceration rates will increase mental health and drug addiction treatment options.
Source: Oklahoma DOC to add another prison under their control
The Dark Side of Oklahoma: Unveiling the Massive Marijuana Black Market Operation
An Oklahoma black market drug trafficking investigation has netted two arrests. Deputies from McClain County arrested Uyu Chen and Rui Ye at a property behind La Luna off Highway 62 in Newcastle. The Oklahoma Board of Narcotics (OBN) said that both were placed into Cleveland County Jail for aggravated cultivation and narcotics trafficking. OBN reported seizing approximately 4,300 plants on the premises.
In another example, the OBN searched two Cleveland and Hughes County black market marijuana grow farms. It’s unclear what this surgery is, although it’s likely tied to the medication trial. The OBN is aggressively combating drug trafficking.
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Source: 2 Arrested, 4,300 Marijuana Plants Seized In Oklahoma Black Market Drug Trafficking Investigation
