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Oklahoma Republicans Dispute U.S. Senate Seat Transition Timeline

Oklahoma Republicans Dispute U.S. Senate Seat Transition Timeline

A dispute has emerged among Oklahoma Republicans regarding the transition of a U.S. Senate seat following the November general election. The contention is between current appointed Senator Alan Armstrong and likely successor, Representative Kevin Hern. Senator Armstrong, appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt to fill the remainder of former Senator Markwayne Mullin's term, wishes to serve until January. Conversely, Representative Hern, who won the Republican primary for the seat, seeks to be sworn in shortly after the election results are certified in November. The core of the disagreement lies in the interpretation of Oklahoma law concerning when an appointed officer's term officially ends and when an elected successor can assume office. Oklahoma State Senate Pro Temp Lonnie Paxton has requested a formal legal opinion from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond to clarify the matter, specifically asking whether the term ends upon election certification or in January, and if the governor has the authority t...
USA TodayUSA Today
Track path of eye-popping Category 5 Hurricane Polo as it strengthens

Track path of eye-popping Category 5 Hurricane Polo as it strengthens

Hurricane Polo has regained its strength to a Category 5 hurricane. Here's a look at where the storm is projected to head next.
Sooners WireSooners Wire
Brent Venables on how Oklahoma can return to excellence

Brent Venables on how Oklahoma can return to excellence

Brent Venables says Oklahoma can return to excellence through consistency, accountability and relentless work.
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Oklahoma Governor's Efficiency Initiative Dashboard Taken Offline Amid Discrepancies

Oklahoma Governor's Efficiency Initiative Dashboard Taken Offline Amid Discrepancies

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's government efficiency initiative, DOGE-OK, launched in February 2025 with the goal of cutting waste, reducing spending, and shrinking state government, has had its public dashboard taken offline. This action followed the discovery of discrepancies regarding reported headcount reductions and estimated savings. The governor's office stated that a malfunction in calculations on the website led to its removal. While the dashboard initially showed an increase in state employees since Stitt took office in 2019, the governor's office later clarified that the headcount has been reduced by 116 employees. The DOGE-OK program expired on July 4, but its online tracker, as of September 14, indicated over $102 million in estimated savings. However, the dashboard did not specify how much of these estimated savings were actually realized. A review of projects listed on the dashboard showed 94 completed projects with approximately $43 million in estimated savings, and 61 projects still in pr...
ReutersReuters
Oklahoma must allow taxpayer-funded religious charter school, judge rules

Oklahoma must allow taxpayer-funded religious charter school, judge rules

By Nate Raymond Sept 24 (Reuters) - A federal judge in Oklahoma cleared the way on Thursday for a Jewish organization to establish the nation's first taxpayer-funded religious charter school in a case over religious rights in American education that could eventually reach the US Supreme Court. 
1Weather1Weather
Blanchard, OK Sees Peak Tornado Season March to June

Blanchard, OK Sees Peak Tornado Season March to June

Blanchard, Oklahoma, located in the heart of Tornado Alley, is currently in its primary rain and tornado season, which spans from March through June. This period is characterized by frequent severe weather events, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, driven by the unique atmospheric conditions of the region. The area benefits from hyperlocal radar coverage provided by the KTLX NEXRAD station in Oklahoma City, which updates data every 4–6 minutes. This advanced radar system ensures accurate and timely weather monitoring for residents and emergency services.
USA TodayUSA Today
Must-see TV: Ranking the college football Week 4 schedule by watchability tiers

Must-see TV: Ranking the college football Week 4 schedule by watchability tiers

There's a loaded schedule in Week 4 of the college football season. What are the best games to watch? We ranked them all in four tiers.
1Weather1Weather
El Niño Brings Hope for Oklahoma Drought Relief

El Niño Brings Hope for Oklahoma Drought Relief

Oklahoma is facing extreme to exceptional drought conditions, with some areas experiencing their driest year on record. However, a strengthening El Niño pattern offers hope for increased precipitation in the coming months. State Climatologist Gary McManus highlighted that the El Niño system is projected to reach historic levels, potentially bringing wetter-than-normal conditions from October through March. While the immediate forecast includes scattered showers in western Oklahoma, long-term projections suggest more widespread rainfall later in the season. This shift could provide much-needed relief to parched agricultural lands and depleted water resources.
Springfield News-LeaderSpringfield News-Leader
Hollister woman tells story of discovering family secrets in new book

Hollister woman tells story of discovering family secrets in new book

In a book, Jackie Lynn, of Hollister, shares her story of finding out she was adopted, building new sibling relationships and searching for answers.
1Weather1Weather
61 Oklahoma Counties Under Burn Bans Amid Drought

61 Oklahoma Counties Under Burn Bans Amid Drought

Extreme drought conditions across Oklahoma have led to heightened fire danger, prompting officials to renew burn bans in 61 of the state's 77 counties. These bans prohibit all outdoor fires, including controlled burns, campfires, and the burning of brush, trash, or debris. Violations of the ban could result in misdemeanor charges, fines of up to $500, or up to one year in jail. Tulsa County, along with Washington, Nowata, Wagoner, and Muskogee counties, has extended its burn ban for varying durations. Officials have stated that the bans may be lifted if conditions improve. Source time: Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:24:34 GMT.
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Rep. Tim Turner to Introduce Legislation Banning Kratom Compounds in Oklahoma

Rep. Tim Turner to Introduce Legislation Banning Kratom Compounds in Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Representative Tim Turner (R-Kinta) has announced his intention to pursue legislation aimed at banning specific kratom-derived compounds within the state. The proposed legislation will seek to classify dangerous kratom alkaloids and concentrated or synthetically enhanced compounds, including 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl, and Dihydro-7-Hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15), as Schedule I substances under the Oklahoma Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. Rep. Turner, a former sheriff and narcotics officer, expressed concerns about the easy availability of these products in retail locations across Oklahoma. He cited data from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), which reported 38 deaths from January to June 2026 involving these compounds alone, and another 73 deaths where these compounds were present alongside other intoxicating drugs. The OCME has also noted a significant rise in deaths associated with mitragynine alkaloids, particularly since late ...
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Musician Eva Walker Donates Beloved Guitar to Oklahoma Prison After Performance

Musician Eva Walker Donates Beloved Guitar to Oklahoma Prison After Performance

Musician Eva Walker Donates Beloved Guitar to Oklahoma Prison After Performance