Dark Roast Update
Sponsorship upgrades for Dark Roast supporters
Starting in November, we will be making some improvements to our sponsorships.
Seth Marsicano
Seth got his start becoming the first investigative reporter for KSWO in Lawton, OK. After leaving, he felt the need to continue down the path of holding those in power accountable. He aims provide reliable investigative journalism throughout Texoma.
political
‘No Kings’ protests across Texoma pose questions and create community
While many speakers spoke about the value of finding events and places where like-minded people could join forces for support, others focused on how to make a direct impact on the local community to demonstrate voice.
Criminal Justice
Oklahoma leaders look to revive a death penalty moratorium in a longstanding effort to halt executions
While the goal of the OK-CADP is to end the death penalty completely, according to their website, the report recognized the fact that a majority of Oklahomans actually support the availability of capital punishment.
Government Accountability
Request for Mayor’s emails proves to be full of redundant files
Almost half of the received files were city title cards or signatures, suggesting the original numbers were fluffed.
unhoused
Lawton government sparks controversy with strategies to address homelessness
Some in the community have shared concerns over this situation and the mayor’s approach to dealing with homelessness, including those who are on the ground conversing and assisting the unhoused.
Government Accountability
City begins release of Mayor’s emails after 7 month runaround
Emails show a potential request to encourage KSWO to do more feature reporting over Westwin Elements, a council member denying a meeting with the Local 1882 Firefighter Union and many attempts to compare the City of Lawton to the City of Norman.
politics
Lawton newspaper to change to local owners with heavy political affiliation
While some people are happy the newspaper will be locally owned again, others have shared concerns over the crossover of political affiliations.
Criminal Justice
Inspection reveals continued deficient county jail operations
The unmet standards include improperly documenting sight checks, lack of proper bedding and failure to timely report inmate injuries.
Criminal Justice
‘Preventable’ inmate death brings another lawsuit to detention center’s doorstep
The lawsuit alleges Warner did not receive his proper medication, which ultimately led to his death.
Government Accountability
Lawton could see pivotal leadership changes dependent upon voter turnout
While national, state and local level elections are important for different reasons, the votes that have the most impact are at the local level.
unhoused
How mid-sized cities are being disproportionately impacted by homelessness and what’s being done
These hubs often offer a higher quality of life compared to their surrounding municipalities, but according to officials, they also attract those who are unhoused.
Criminal Justice
Small town school budget takes a hit following private prison purchase
GERONIMO, OK - The purchase of Oklahoma’s last privately operated prison has been considered a major win as a result of the 60th legislative session. However, during the transaction, lawmakers overlooked the potential side effects this could have on taxes and on one small school district’s budget. In Oklahoma,