Ruby Topalian
United States
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Articles by Ruby Topalian
E&E News: Independent oil companies eye Permian production boost
Drillers have begun adding rigs in the prolific oil basin, but the volumes aren't big enough to slash the price of crude or costs for motorists. ENERGYWIRE | Three months after the war in Iran sent crude prices soaring, oil producers in the biggest U.S. oil field are starting to ramp up their production. The catch: The new push may only boost production by about 250,000 barrels a day, too little to lower the price of oil or provide relief for drivers.
'Guilty until proven innocent': Inside the fight between doctors and insurance companies over 'downcoding'
Oct. 9, 2025, 5:00 AM EDT In the beginning of the year, Dr. Terry Wagner’s office manager came to him and said “something weird is going on.” For weeks, the office manager told him, Wagner had been quietly underpaid by the insurance company Aetna on a seemingly random selection of higher level claims. “It’s blatantly disrespectful,” said Wagner, a family medicine doctor who has run a small practice in Hudson, Ohio, for the last 28 years.
Ex-prison guard, shot six times, hails FCC push to allow cellphone jamming behind bars Original
Robert Johnson was a corrections officer whose job it was to prevent inmates from smuggling cellphones, drugs and other contraband into one of South Carolina’s most violent prisons. But then came the morning of March 5, 2010. Johnson was inside his home, preparing to head into work at the Lee Correctional Institution, when a hitman kicked in his front door and shot him six times in the chest and stomach. Miraculously, Johnson survived.
After Cleveland Clinic expanded to Florida, patients say surprise fees followed
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — When the Cleveland Clinic started acquiring hospitals and medical offices in this palm tree-lined region six years ago, many Floridians were excited. The Ohio nonprofit, ranked among the top hospitals in the world, pledged to bring expert care and an infusion of cash to the state’s Treasure Coast, an area north of Boca Raton brimming with 55-and-up gated communities.
ARS Eastern USA "Norian" Youth Connect Program brings together young Armenians to explore history and identity at Columbia University
The morning of Saturday, March 1 was a beautiful one at Columbia University. The sky was cloudless, birds were chirping, and students were scattered around campus, basking in the sun after months of New York winter.
Anything goes - Eufala Indian Journal
Parental tax credit program has no standards for accreditation Only accredited private schools qualify for the states Parental Choice Tax Credit program, a voucher-like state subsidy for parents to use toward tuition. But schools need only report the name of their accreditor. There is no verification beyond that, and any accreditor goes.
OKLAHOMA WATCH: Parental tax credit program has no accreditation standards
Only accredited private schools qualify for the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program, a voucher-like state subsidy for parents to use toward tuition. But schools need only report the name of their accreditor. There is no verification beyond that, and any accreditor goes. Among the schools approved are Goodland Academy, a middle school in Hugo that shuttered for two years but maintained accreditation and reopened in February with five students, all of whom received a tax credit.
Anything goes - Parental Tax Credit program has no standards for accreditation
Last Updated on August 26, 2024, 7:50 PM | Published: August 26, 2024 OKLAHOMA CITY — Only accredited private schools qualify for the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program, a voucher-like state subsidy for parents to use toward tuition. But schools need only report the name of their accreditor. There is no verification beyond that, and any accreditor goes.
Pay or your son dies: Oklahoma inmates’ families extorted by inside gangs
Cynthia and her husband spent an ordinary day in December 2022 driving to their retirement home, planning to clean it out after the holidays. Then, her phone buzzed. “Where is my f—-ing money your son caught out owing me,” the text read. “I’ll send word wherever he goes if you try and call (a prison official) and tell on me. I want the 250 I’m owed or I’ma have him hurt.” Cynthia faced a dilemma: pay or risk her son getting assaulted, maybe killed.
Oklahoma Watch - Pay or your son dies: Oklahoma inmates’ families extorted by inside gangs
Cynthia and her husband spent an ordinary day in December 2022 driving to their retirement home, planning to clean it out after the holidays. Then, her phone buzzed. “Where is my fucking money your son caught out owing me,” the text read. “I’ll send word wherever he goes if you try and call (a prison official) and tell on me. I want the 250 I’m owed or I’ma have him hurt.” Cynthia faced a dilemma: pay or risk her son getting assaulted, maybe killed.
OKLAHOMA WATCH: Anything goes
Only accredited private schools qualify for the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program, a voucher-like state subsidy for parents to use toward tuition. But schools need only report the name of their accreditor. There is no verification beyond that, and any accreditor goes. Among the schools approved are Goodland Academy, a middle school in Hugo that shuttered for two years but maintained accreditation and reopened in February with five students, all of whom received a tax credit.
Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit program has no standards for accreditation
Only accredited private schools qualify for the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program, a voucher-like state subsidy for parents to use toward tuition. But schools need only report the name of their accreditor. There is no verification beyond that, and any accreditor goes. Among the schools approved are Goodland Academy, a middle school in Hugo that shuttered for two years but maintained accreditation and reopened in February with five students, all of whom received a tax credit.
Anything Goes - Oklahoma Watch
Only accredited private schools qualify for the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program, a voucher-like state subsidy for parents to use toward tuition. But schools need only report the name of their accreditor. There is no verification beyond that, and any accreditor goes. Among the schools approved are Goodland Academy, a middle school in Hugo that shuttered for two years but maintained accreditation and reopened in February with five students, all of whom received a tax credit.
Pay or your son dies: Oklahoma inmates’ families extorted by inside gangs
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Some private school raise tuition as tax credit starts
When parents enrolled their children in a small private school in Ardmore in the fall of 2023, the tuition was $1,000 per semester. The Parental Choice Tax Credit Program started in December, promising parents a tax credit of up to $3,750 per student for spring tuition. Global Harvest Christian School responded by raising its spring tuition to $3,500. Global Harvest Christian School was not alone in its decision to raise prices; private schools statewide did the same.
Tax Credit Program Sparks Statewide Surge in Private School Tuition
When parents enrolled their children in a small private school in Ardmore in the fall of 2023, the tuition was $1,000 per semester.The Parental Choice Tax Credit Program started in December, promising parents a tax credit of up to $3,750 per student for spring tuition.
Pay or your son dies: Families of Oklahoma prisoners facing extortion from in-prison gangs
Cynthia and her husband spent an ordinary day in December 2022 driving to their retirement home, planning to clean it out after the holidays. Then, her phone buzzed. “Where is my (expletive) money your son caught out owing me,” the text read. “I’ll send word wherever he goes if you try and call (a prison official) and tell on me. I want the 250 I’m owed or I’ma have him hurt.” Cynthia faced a dilemma: pay or risk her son getting assaulted, maybe killed.
Pay or Your Son Dies
Cynthia and her husband spent an ordinary day in December 2022 driving to their retirement home, planning to clean it out after the holidays. Then, her phone buzzed. “Where is my fucking money your son caught out owing me,” the text read. “I’ll send word wherever he goes if you try and call (a prison official) and tell on me. I want the 250 I’m owed or I’ma have him hurt.” Cynthia faced a dilemma: pay or risk her son getting assaulted, maybe killed.
Pay or Your Son Dies - Oklahoma Watch
Married Oklahoma judge, 59, who 'had sex with female bailiff on courthouse table' gives jaw-dropping... A married Oklahoma judge accused of having affairs with two court bailiffs says he should keep his job because sex isn't as taboo as it once was …
Some private school raise tuition as tax credit starts
When parents enrolled their children in a small private school in Ardmore in the fall of 2023, the tuition was $1,000 per semester. The Parental Choice Tax Credit Program started in December, promising parents a tax credit of up to $3,750 per student for spring tuition. Global Harvest Christian School responded by raising its spring tuition to $3,500. Global Harvest Christian School was not alone in its decision to raise prices; private schools statewide did the same.
Tax Credit Program Sparks Statewide Surge in Private School Tuition Fees
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Private school tuition increases, due to tax credit program
When parents enrolled their children in a small private school in Ardmore in the fall of 2023, the tuition was $1,000 per semester.The Parental Choice Tax Credit Program began in December, promising parents a tax credit of up to $3,750 per student for spring tuition. Global Harvest Christian School responded by raising its spring tuition to $3,500.“The parental choice tax credit is a private…
Oklahoma Watch: Tax credit program sparks surge in private school tuition
When parents enrolled their children in a small private school in Ardmore in fall 2023, the tuition was $1,000 per semester. The Parental Choice Tax Credit Program started in December, promising parents a tax credit of up to $3,750 per student for spring tuition. Global Harvest Christian School responded by raising its spring tuition to $3,500. “The parental choice tax credit is a private school subsidy,” said Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa.
Private school tuition hikes have surged since Oklahoma tax credit began Original
When parents enrolled their children in a small private school in Ardmore in the fall of 2023, the tuition was $1,000 per semester. The Parental Choice Tax Credit Program started in December, promising parents a tax credit of up to $3,750 per student for spring tuition. Global Harvest Christian School responded by raising its spring tuition to $3,500. “The parental choice tax credit is a private school subsidy,” said Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa.
What is OKC's plan for reform following DOJ inquiry into mental health emergency calls?
Dustin Pigeon, 29, was standing in his front yard, covered in lighter fluid, holding a lighter in one hand and a bottle of accelerant when two Oklahoma City police officers arrived. Pigeon suffered from bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. The officers begged Pigeon to reconsider. Before he could, another officer, Sgt. Keith Sweeney, arrived clutching his gun. “I will (expletive) shoot you,” Sweeney yelled. “Get on the ground.” Sweeney fired five shots at Pigeon. He died.
Oklahoma Watch: Cities addressing emergencies with more mental health professionals
Dustin Pigeon, 29, was standing in his front yard, covered in lighter fluid, holding a lighter in one hand and a bottle of accelerant when two Oklahoma City police officers arrived. Pigeon suffered from bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The officers begged Pigeon to reconsider. Before he could, another officer, Sgt. Keith Sweeney, arrived clutching his gun. “I will (expletive) shoot you,” Sweeney yelled. “Get on the ground.” Sweeney fired five shots at Pigeon. He died.
Oklahoma Watch: Agencies work to improve mental health emergency response
Dustin Pigeon, 29, was standing in his front yard, covered in lighter fluid, holding a lighter in one hand and a bottle of accelerant when two Oklahoma City police officers arrived. Pigeon suffered from bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. The officers begged Pigeon to reconsider. Before he could, Sgt. Keith Sweeney arrived, shouted at Pigeon and fired five fatal shots.
Cities Addressing Emergencies with More Mental Health Professionals Original
Dustin Pigeon, 29, was standing in his front yard, covered in lighter fluid, holding a lighter in one hand and a bottle of accelerant when two Oklahoma City police officers arrived. Pigeon suffered from bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The officers begged Pigeon to reconsider. Before he could, another officer, Sgt. Keith Sweeney, arrived clutching his gun. “I will fucking shoot you,” Sweeney yelled. “Get on the ground.” Sweeney fired five shots at Pigeon. He died.
Cities Addressing Emergencies with More Mental Health Professionals - Oklahoma Watch
Ben Shapiro, founder of The Daily Wire, testified before Congress on Wednesday where he criticized Democrats over what he claimed were efforts to …
Oklahoma Watch: Corrections Board greenlights Lawton prison contract extension
TAFT — The Oklahoma Board of Corrections on Wednesday approved a one-year contract extension for the state to continue incarcerating male prisoners at Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, Oklahoma’s only private prison, which is owned and operated by The GEO Group. The contract, which will take effect on July 1, calls for 238 prisoners to be transferred out of Lawton to alleviate persistent violence and understaffing.
Corrections Board Greenlights Lawton Prison Contract Extension
TAFT — The Oklahoma Board of Corrections on Wednesday approved a one-year contract extension for the state to continue incarcerating male prisoners at Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, Oklahoma’s only private prison, which is owned and operated by The GEO Group. The contract, which will take effect on July 1, calls for 238 prisoners to be transferred out of Lawton to alleviate persistent violence and understaffing.
OKLAHOMA VOICE: Oklahoma’s most violent prison to end state contract
Lawton Correctional Facility, the last state-contracted private prison in Oklahoma, may soon close. As first reported by The Oklahoman, the prison’s owner/operator, The GEO Group, a corporation that owns and operates private prisons nationwide, informed the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, or ODOC, and Oklahoma Senate leadership through a letter received Friday that it will not renew the state contract for its operation of the prison.
Oklahoma’s Most Violent Prison to End State Contract
Lawton Correctional Facility, the last state-contracted private prison in Oklahoma, may soon close. The prison’s owner/operator, The GEO Group, a corporation that owns and operates private prisons nationwide, informed the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, or ODOC, and Oklahoma Senate leadership through a letter received Friday that it will not renew the state contract for its operation of the prison.
Controversial McCurtain County sheriff loses in primary
“I know where two big deep holes are here if you ever need them,” a voice in the room said, referring to local newspaper reporters. Another joked about a woman who died in a fire, comparing her burned body to barbecue. “I’m hungry!” he said. “I’m talking about taking ’em down to ol’ mud creek and hanging them up with a damn rope,” another said about hanging Black people.
OKLAHOMA WATCH: Voters oust embattled sheriff in McCurtain County
“I know where two big deep holes are here if you ever need them,” a voice in the room said, referring to local newspaper reporters. Another joked about a woman who died in a fire, comparing her burned body to barbecue. “I’m hungry!” he said. “I’m talking about taking ’em down to ol’ mud creek and hanging them up with a damn rope,” another said about hanging Black people.
Voters Oust Embattled Sheriff in McCurtain County
“I know where two big deep holes are here if you ever need them,” a voice in the room said, referring to local newspaper reporters. Another joked about a woman who died in a fire, comparing her burned body to barbecue. “I’m hungry!” he said. “I’m talking about taking ’em down to ol’ mud creek and hanging them up with a damn rope,” another said about hanging Black people.
Voters Oust Embattled Sheriff in McCurtain County
“I know where two big deep holes are here if you ever need them,” a voice in the room said, referring to local newspaper reporters. Another joked about a woman who died in a fire, comparing her burned body to barbecue. “I’m hungry!” he said. “I’m talking about taking ’em down to ol’ mud creek and hanging them up with a damn rope,” another said about hanging Black people.
Voters Oust Embattled Sheriff in McCurtain County - Oklahoma Watch
Oklahoma 11 hours ago 10 Winners and Losers from Oklahoma Election Night...
Life inside the Trinity BDS encampment
Life inside the Trinity BDS encampment ““‘I wasn’t a Trinity student. So the only way I could actually get in was by sneaking in as an UberEats driver’. These are the words of Gareth, who arrived at the Trinity Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) encampment on Saturday, May 4. Disguised as an UberEats driver, he carried a food delivery box on his back containing his sleeping bag and tent.
What was life really like during Trinity BDS’ encampment? – Trinity News
Names have been changed for anonymity purposes “I wasn’t a Trinity student. So the only way I could actually get in was by sneaking in as a UberEats driver.” These are the words of Gareth, who arrived at the Trinity Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) encampment on Saturday, May 4. Disguised as an UberEats driver, he carried a food delivery box on his back containing his sleeping bag and tent. As a non-student, he needed to get innovative.
College to consider using increased masters’ fee revenue on health services – Trinity News
Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) has been in negotiations with College to use revenue from the proposed masters’ fee increase to improve College counselling and health services. TCDSU President László Molnárfi told Trinity News that “progress is being made” in negotiations with College management over the controversial proposed fee increases.
Trinity outlines plan of action for Israeli ties following end of BDS encampment – Trinity News
College has issued a statement outlining its plans to address its ties with Israeli institutions following the end of the encampment by Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) and Trinity Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (TCD BDS). In a statement issued to Trinity News, College said it will divest from all Israeli companies active in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and that appear on the UN Blacklist by June.
Green Week: A College greenwashing initiative? – Trinity News
On the week of March 11, a number of interesting-looking sculptures made from recycled materials could be found on campus from Front Square to the Watts Building. The sight of a model hanging bee outside of the GMB, the bog oak sculpture in the Watts building, and the interactive art piece on the rugby pitch would have left the average passerby somewhat baffled. They were, however, part of Trinity’s annual “Green Week”.
“Not sick enough”: Irish universities and public facilities failing to treat eating disorders – Trinity News
36 years. Enough time to fall in love, have a kid, and climb the ranks of a workplace. But in the case of 49-year-old Mary Byrne, 36 years is the duration of time that she has struggled with anorexia. At 13 years old, after experiencing severe trauma, Mary started restricting her food intake. Growing up in rural County Laois, Mary’s local doctor simply told her to eat more.
Voter turnout for sabbatical election highest since 2020, estimates suggest – Trinity News
2,457 students voted in this year’s Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) sabbatical election, according to preliminary estimates from the Electoral Commission (EC). While these numbers are not final, it puts this year’s sabbatical elections on track to narrowly beat out turnout in the 2020 election (2,426), the last time there was an in-person ballot.
Communications & Marketing race: Connor Dempsey wants to “burst the bubble” of inaccessibility surrounding the Students’ Union – Trinity News
Fourth year politics and sociology student Connor Dempsey has spent his four years of university being, as he put it, “fairly too involved in campus.” He has served as Classes officer of DU modern languages since his second year and has risen through the ranks of Student2Student (S2S) mentoring – starting as an OCM (2nd year), then treasurer (3rd year), PRO (3rd year), and finally as an Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (AHSS) representative (4th year).
What does Trinity stand for? Students and guests debate the Berkeley’s new name with the Hist – Trinity News
On Wednesday evening, Trinity’s Exam Hall was – in a fashion rarely seen at the very start of the semester, long before exams – packed. Abandoning the sacred Graduates’ Memorial Building (GMB) for the night, the College Historical Society (the Hist) held their long awaited “The Renaming Library X” debate to provide five students and five guests with the space to explore potential options for the new name of the former Berkeley Library.
Trinity gives away 100 birch tree seedlings to celebrate launch of new sustainability strategy – Trinity News
This morning, Trinity gave away 100 birch tree seedlings which sprouted naturally on campus lawns following College’s “No Mow May” initiative. The seedlings were distributed from Front Square. Any seedlings not collected today will be made available to students and staff at a later date. The distribution of the seedlings marks the launch of Trinity’s Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, which “sets out a roadmap to embed sustainability in everything Trinity does”.
How House Six made Ireland pro-choice – Trinity News
On July 1, 1988, Anne Marie Keary arrived on University College Dublin’s (UCD) campus ready to take up her new role as the Student Union’s Welfare Officer. Amidst the piles of student and staff queries that she found on her first day was a court order from the Society of the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
The USSR flag and student communism: a controversial combination – Trinity News
When second-year Estonian-American student Kaia walked through the front gates of Trinity to volunteer at her freshers’ fair table at the end of September, she was expecting crowds pillaging for slices of pizza and energy drinks, exhausted society leadership teams pitching to hungover freshers, and endless stacks of coupons for free doughnuts scattered across Front Square.
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