Articles written by Whitney Bryen Oklahoma Watch
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Nursing homes: 95 deaths, no violations
After COVID-19 reached Oklahoma, the state health department began coronavirus-specific inspections of nursing homes, focusing on facilities already exposed. Inspectors found no violations in the 10...
State readies plan for opening nursing homes, but industry skeptical
State health officials are developing a plan that could allow visitors back into nursing homes. But facility managers and industry advocates point to complications with testing and a shortage of...
With lockdowns relaxing, talk of reopening nursing homes emerges
Deaths of nursing home residents and staff reached triple digits this week and facility officials say the number will likely continue to climb. But a state legislator wants to allow visitors back...
Violence at home
Family violence is escalating in parts of the state as the stress of the pandemic mounts. Weeks of isolation, financial strain and fear are heightening tensions, and some agencies say they have seen... Full story
State investigates more than 25 long-term care centers
More than 25 long-term care facilities were under investigation by the state last week as coronavirus outbreaks kept rising, with now 25 deaths of residents and 335 positive cases. But officials are...
Police communication gaps allow abuse suspects to avoid quick arrest
State law allows police to arrest accused domestic abusers without a warrant if there is sufficient evidence, such as a witness statement or a victim’s visible injuries. But a lack of communication among law enforcement agencies is allowing...
Fewer Oklahoma women report pregnancy discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination stole the social media spotlight recently after questions arose over Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren’s account of being pushed out of a teaching job in the 1970s because she was pregnant. Despite a...
Most domestic abusers defy court-ordered intervention
All Sean Jones had to do to avoid prison was to attend some domestic violence classes and check in with a probation officer once a month. Jones felt relieved as District Judge Kevin McCray approved a plea deal in an Oklahoma City courtroom last May....
In rural areas, a ceaseless struggle to get domestic abuse victims to testify
On a March morning in 2017, Tamera Moore, a 38-year-old woman living in the southeast Oklahoma town of Valliant, began the day with a bitter argument. She and her boyfriend, Geoffrey Briley, began quarreling and she told him she wanted to break up....
