The impact of Oklahoma journalism was strong throughout 2022

The new year always brings new hope — hope for better health, greater prosperity or improved quality of life. There’s excitement in the uncertainty, because within the uncertainty lies the potential for great new adventures.

The staff at The Oklahoman shares in your excitement for the new year because, just like you, we don’t quite know where the adventure will take us. What direction will elected officials take this year in the Legislature? Which industries will take off? Where might Oklahoma improve, and how? Will Jocelyn Alo’s home run record be broken?

OK, perhaps the last question can be answered with a resounding “NO,” but all else is fair game. And each working journalist at our news organization is excited to journey through these uncertainties with you, because we are Oklahomans just like you, and we care about our home. We intend to dig into wrongdoing, expose scandals, highlight triumphs and share the news of our state’s growth all year long, much like we did last year.

Throughout 2022, our staff made a tremendous impact on the community we all live in. One reporter and editor uncovered years of sexual assault and a culture of administrative coverups at a prominent local Catholic high school. Another reporter doggedly pursued the Swadley’s-related scandal within the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism and Recreation. Still others investigated Oklahoma City’s police pursuit policies, covered the ongoing evolution of the state’s medical marijuana industry and the continued, tremendous growth and development news in and around Oklahoma City.

The work varied widely, but it all served to better our society. Here's a look back at some of the impactful work brought to you by The Oklahoman this past year.

Mount St. Mary’s culture of sexual assault gets uncovered

Mount St. Mary’s, a Catholic high school in south Oklahoma City with a rich tradition of academics and a prestigious standing in the community, was rocked by scandal as numerous students came forward with allegations of sexual assault. These current and former students said the assaults took place over years, and school administrators were repeatedly made aware of the allegations, but often dismissed the behavior as just “boys being boys.” Multiple administrators left the school in the wake of the reporting done by The Oklahoman. A lawsuit against the school, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, former principal Talita DeNegri and other individuals, is ongoing.

Swadley’s BBQ, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department embroiled in scandal

News of the scandal involving Swadley's World Famous Bar B-Que and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department dominated headlines throughout 2022. The Oklahoman led much of the coverage, detailing allegations of fraud and problematic bidding practices that allowed for Swadley’s BBQ, owned by Brent Swadley, to secure an exclusive food service contract for state parks. The director of the tourism department, Jerry Winchester, later resigned and the state sued the business for breach of contract.

The Oklahoman investigates Oklahoma City’s police pursuit policy

Not long after a pregnant mother was killed in 2021 when her vehicle was struck by a stolen Ford pickup, driven by a man fleeing police on the northeast side of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Police Department quietly made internal changes to their policies regarding pursuits and when to engage. The Oklahoman uncovered these changes as part of an analysis and investigation into police pursuits throughout Oklahoma City, revealing the areas of Oklahoma City where pursuits are initiated, the reasons why an officer attempts to make a stop and how prevalent pursuits are in the community. The investigation also revealed the city is involved in multiple lawsuits stemming from police pursuits, and the city's attorneys have encouraged city leaders not to talk about the issue with reporters because of the ongoing court cases.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority seeks a controversial expansion

Late in 2021, controversial plans were announced to expand Oklahoma’s Turnpike network, including extensions through Norman toward Newcastle and Slaughterville. Some in small communities welcomed expansion and added access to existing turnpikes, while others were angered by authority's plans. The plans hit a snag when one judge ruled the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority willfully violated state statutes by not listing the new turnpike routes in advance of its meetings, violating the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act and in turn invalidating more than $132 million in approved contracts. The plans aren’t dead, however, and the authority continues to work toward extending the roads.

Tulsa hospital shooting leaves state grieving

Tragedy struck our state this past year when a man opened fire inside a Tulsa hospital. The Oklahoman swarmed the story that day, providing real-time updates and following up with details about what happened inside the hospital. We were able to sit down for an exclusive interview with the family members of one victim, including his wife he helped save by holding closed a hospital door the gunman tried to enter.

Oklahoma's gun policies examined

As part of ongoing coverage about gun violence and the state’s response, especially following the mass shooting last year at a Tulsa hospital, The Oklahoman used medical examiner data to determine how the loosening of state firearm restrictions over the past decade may have contributed to a rise in gun deaths.

And following the shooting death of an Oklahoma County sheriff's deputy, The Oklahoman took a closer look at laws that bar police and judges from removing a person's firearms if they are deemed a threat to themselves or others. The person authorities said was responsible for shooting the sheriff's deputy had been known to have mental health challenges and had made threats to relatives, but Oklahoma lawmakers have banned the use of "red flag" laws that in other states are used to remove guns.

Lobbyist says former Oklahoma lawmaker sexually assaulted her at New Year's Party

The Oklahoman was the first to report an allegation made against a state lawmaker that he had sexually assaulted a woman during a New Year's party. The lawmaker, Jose Cruz, resigned shortly after the initial article that detailed the assault claims.

Oklahoma’s booming marijuana industry hit with enforcement raids, violence

The growth of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry was explosive after voters approved of its legalization in 2018. There are now more licensed dispensaries in our state than any other state in the country, including those with legalized recreational usage and older, more mature markets like California, Colorado and Washington. But this year, enforcement became the topic of conversation as the state made record raids, and several businesses encountered violence, causing concern for many in the industry.

Oklahoma City continues to develop and grow

While not just one story in particular, The Oklahoman covered numerous examples of growth and development across Oklahoma City and the greater metron area. The news revolved around sales of famous (and maybe haunted) hotels, announcements of new businesses, a few occasional closures and more. Restaurants are thriving, nightlife continues to grow and entertainment options abound. Oklahoma City continues to impress.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What Oklahoman stories made an impact on our community in 2022?