Local

Arkansas prison employees fired after ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ escape

Friday, July 11

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -Two employees at an Arkansas prison where an inmate known as the “Devil in the Ozarks” escaped have been fired for policy violations, corrections officials said Thursday as they faced questions from lawmakers who said the escape points to deeper problems.The head... Read More.

Death sentence upheld for William Reece, convicted of 1997 Bethany killing, upheld

Friday, July 11

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled to uphold the death sentence for self-proclaimed serial killer and Death Row inmate William Reece.Reece was sentenced to death in 2021 for the 1997 murder of Tiffany Johnston in Bethany.RELATED: Jury Hands Down Death Penalty For Convicted Murderer William ReeceEarlier this year,... Read More.

Pioneer Tech Hosts Successful Youth Firefighter Academy

Friday, July 11

PONCA CITY, OK --– In June, Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) hosted its annual Youth Firefighter Academy, welcoming students entering 8th through 10th grades for a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of firefighting and emergency services.Led by PTC Firefighter/EMT instructor Gary Vap, the academy gave students an opportunity to... Read More.

Harris Celebrates $10M Investment into UCO Forensic Science Institute

Friday, July 11

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, praised the $10 million appropriation to expand the University of Central Oklahoma's Forensic Science Institute. The funding is included in House Bill 2766, the Fiscal Year 2026 general appropriations bill, and will be distributed by the Oklahoma State... Read More.

Eskimo Joe’s celebrates 50 years with weeklong bash in Stillwater

Friday, July 11

STILLWATER, Okla. -Eskimo Joe’s, the iconic Stillwater restaurant and bar known for its smiling T-shirts and late-night fries, is celebrating 50 years in business this month with a week of festivities, concerts and community events.The beloved “jumpin’ little juke joint” first opened in July 1975, the product of a spontaneous... Read More.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol to end services in two major counties starting Nov. 1

Friday, July 11

OKLAHOMA CITY, (KTUL) — The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has announced that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will cease law enforcement services in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties starting November 1.This decision will leave local law enforcement agencies to cover in-state highways, a move that has sparked concern among some legislative... Read More.

Senators Christi Gillespie & Mark Mann Launch Interim Study to Stabilize Municipal Funding

Friday, July 11

Oklahoma City – Senator Christi Gillespie (R–Broken Arrow) and Senator Mark Mann (D-Oklahoma City) have announced the launch of a bipartisan interim study on “Municipal Funding Stabilization,” approved by Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton for the 2025 Legislative Interim and assigned to the Local & County Government Committee. “As a former city councilor... Read More.

Nvidia becomes most valuable company in the world at $4 trillion

Friday, July 11

NEW YORK (AP) — Chipmaker Nvidia became the first public company to top $4 trillion in value on Wednesday after a two-year investor frenzy.Nvidia shares rose 2.5%, or $3.97, in early trading Wednesday, topping $164 each. At the beginning of 2023, Nvidia shares were around $14 each.The poster child... Read More.

6 Secret Service agents suspended over conduct during attempted Trump assassination

Thursday, July 10

Six agents were suspended by the U.S. Secret Service for failures connected to last year's attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, an official told ABC News. The personnel moves were confirmed four days shy of the anniversary of the July 13, 2024, shooting incident that left... Read More.

Education Chair Dismisses SDE Mandate as “Empty Threat”

Thursday, July 10

Education Chair Rep. Dick LoweOklahoma House Education Committee Chair Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, reacted to the Monday announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he would require all school districts in the state to provide free lunches to all students at the cost of employee salaries. The Superintendent... Read More.

Oklahoma lawmaker wants to further sports betting conversation with interim study

Thursday, July 10

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Sports betting is something the Oklahoma legislature has not been able to get across the finish line for the past couple of years.However, one lawmaker is looking to keep the conversation going before next session.State Sen. Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City) is a fan of sports... Read More.

Stillwater Police and Fire Departments Investigate Two Arson Incidents

Thursday, July 10

(STILLWATER, OK) – The Stillwater Police Department (SPD) and Stillwater Fire Department (SFD) are actively investigating two separate arson incidents that occurred within the same week at the Chapel Ridge of Stillwater leasing office, located in the 1800 block of North Hartford Street. One suspect has been arrested in... Read More.