Thu Oct 17 21:05:00 UTC 2024: ## Oklahoma News Roundup: Terror Plot, Bible Mandate Suit, Lead Pipes, and Supreme Court Endorsements

**Afghan Refugee Faces Trial for Alleged Election Day Terror Plot**

Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan refugee, was ordered to be held in custody pending trial for an alleged Election Day terror plot. Federal prosecutors argued Tawhedi’s intentions were clear and he posed a danger to the community. His public defender countered that he had no criminal record. The trial date is yet to be determined.

**Lawsuit Challenges State Superintendent’s Bible Mandate**

A lawsuit filed by a coalition of groups, including the ACLU and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, challenges State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ directive requiring public schools to provide a Bible in every classroom. The lawsuit argues the mandate violates the state constitution by using public funds to support religion and violates the Administrative Procedures Act due to the lack of notice and comment period.

**Interactive Map Shows Lead Service Lines in Oklahoma City**

Oklahoma City has published an interactive map highlighting the location of lead service lines connecting homes and buildings to water mains. The map uses blue checkmarks for lead-free lines, red exclamation points for lead lines, and gray ellipses for lines that haven’t been assessed yet. While the city has found only 173 lead lines on its side of the meter, the customer side, which runs from the meter to the building plumbing, is largely unassessed. Residents are encouraged to submit their own data about lead lines using the city’s self-reporting tool. Lead lines are most common in buildings built before 1945, but may have been replaced. The city is required to develop a plan to replace lead public service lines by 2027.

**Oklahoma Tribes Endorse Supreme Court Justices**

The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes has unanimously endorsed the retention of Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices Noma Gurich, Yvonee Kauger, and James Edmondson. The tribes cited the justices’ recognition of tribal sovereignty and effective collaboration with tribes. The endorsement comes as a group connected to the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs lobbies for judicial selection system reform and runs ads against the justices. All three justices are former Democratic governor picks, and their retention is opposed by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt who could appoint their replacements if they are not retained.

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