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Oklahoma State Auditor Uncovers $3.7 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Former Tulsa Public Schools Bond Director

Oklahoma State Auditor Uncovers $3.7 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Former Tulsa Public Schools Bond Director

Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd has released the second part of a special audit into Tulsa Public Schools (TPS), revealing alleged fraud, misappropriation, and improper payments totaling $3.7 million. The audit indicates that Chris Hudgins, former TPS Executive Director of Bond and Energy Management, used his position to divert millions of taxpayer dollars to his personal company and direct contracts to favored vendors. According to the audit, Hudgins operated a personal business, M&G Consulting, out of TPS offices for over a decade, starting in 2014, while overseeing significant taxpayer funds. The audit found that Tulsa engineering firm Allied Engineering paid $2.6 million to M&G Consulting for architectural services, including roofing, interior renovations, and HVAC work, which were never delivered. Allied also received over $58,000 for processing false invoices related to the roofing contract. Additionally, Hudgins allegedly authorized GLD Consulting, formed by three Allied employees, t...

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Criticizes Public School Finances, Proposes Funding Changes

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Criticizes Public School Finances, Proposes Funding Changes

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has publicly criticized the financial management of public schools, asserting that a significant portion of school funding remains 'idle in bank accounts.' This critique follows the release of a 30-page report, commissioned by Stitt through an executive order in March, which investigated public school finances. The report indicates that school districts' carryover funds increased from approximately $2.8 billion in 2019 to $4.5 billion in 2025. Furthermore, 16% of districts reportedly carry over 40% of their revenue to the subsequent fiscal year. The Governor emphasized that Oklahomans expect education dollars to directly benefit students rather than being held in unspent balances. However, educators, such as Principal Kaleb Swboni of Tannehill Public School, have pushed back, arguing that these carryover funds represent responsible budgeting, especially for rural districts that rely heavily on property taxes which are received in specific months.

Record-Breaking Heat and Storm Chances in Oklahoma City

Record-Breaking Heat and Storm Chances in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is experiencing record-breaking heat, with temperatures reaching 109°F (42.8°C) today, surpassing the previous record of 107°F (41.7°C) for this date. Yesterday marked the hottest day of the summer, just 4°F shy of the city's all-time high of 113°F (45°C). A weak front is expected to bring slight relief on Thursday and Friday, but temperatures will climb back to record-breaking levels over the weekend. Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, particularly in areas north of I-40, with the highest chances in northern Oklahoma. These storms could bring damaging winds and heavy rain. The extreme heat is being driven by a high-pressure system moving across the southern U.S., which is expected to persist through the next nine days. (Source: News9.com, 2026-08-18 12:32 PM CDT)

Oklahoma Voters to Decide on State Question 846 Regarding Voter ID Requirements

Oklahoma Voters to Decide on State Question 846 Regarding Voter ID Requirements

Oklahoma voters will consider State Question 846 on August 25, which proposes to amend the state constitution to require proof of identity for all voting methods in elections conducted by county or state election boards. Currently, Oklahoma law already mandates voter identification, requiring a government photo ID, a voter ID card, or the completion of a provisional ballot. State Question 846 seeks to enshrine this requirement into the state constitution, making it more difficult for future legislatures to alter or repeal. The resolution to place this question on the ballot was overwhelmingly passed by Republican lawmakers in March 2026. The election is scheduled during a primary runoff, which historically sees lower voter turnout.

Oklahoma State Question 846 to Enshrine Voter ID Rules in Constitution

Oklahoma State Question 846 to Enshrine Voter ID Rules in Constitution

Oklahoma voters will decide on August 25 whether to amend the state constitution to include voter identification requirements, a measure known as State Question 846. Currently, voter ID laws exist in state statutes, which are easier for the legislature to change. The proposed constitutional amendment would make it significantly more difficult to alter these requirements in the future, as any change would necessitate another statewide vote. The resolution was introduced by Oklahoma Senate leader Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and championed by Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, a Republican from Bristow. They argue that this move will further secure elections and reflects strong public support for voter ID, citing a 2025 Pew Research survey indicating 83% favorability nationwide. The current law defines proof of identity as a document with a name conforming to the registry, a photograph, and an expiration date (except for military IDs), issued by the U.S., Oklahoma, or a tribal government. These specific requir...

Tennessee football offers 2028 Oklahoma offensive lineman

Tennessee football offers 2028 Oklahoma offensive lineman

Tennessee football offers a scholarship to a 2028 four-star offensive lineman from Oklahoma.

Edmond Implements Stage Two Water Restrictions Amid Surging Demand

Edmond Implements Stage Two Water Restrictions Amid Surging Demand

The city of Edmond, Oklahoma, has enacted Stage Two of its Water Conservation Plan, mandating that residents and businesses restrict outdoor lawn watering to two days per week. This decision comes as the city experiences elevated temperatures and a lack of rain, leading to a significant increase in water demand. City Manager AJ Krieger stated that daily water consumption has surged past 22 million gallons, a substantial rise from the typical 9 million to 13 million gallons per day during lower-demand periods. The new restrictions replace the previous year-round odd/even watering schedule, assigning specific weekday and weekend watering days based on the last digit of an address. Initial violations will result in a warning, with repeat offenses potentially leading to citations. The city emphasizes that maintaining adequate water reserves and pressure is crucial for emergency services, including firefighters.

Oklahoma Lawyers Allege State Farm and Allstate Used Secret Tactics to Reduce Payouts on Roof Damage Claims

Oklahoma Lawyers Allege State Farm and Allstate Used Secret Tactics to Reduce Payouts on Roof Damage Claims

Oklahoma Lawyers Allege State Farm and Allstate Used Secret Tactics to Reduce Payouts on Roof Damage Claims

Heat Advisory and Scattered Thunderstorms Expected in Oklahoma

Heat Advisory and Scattered Thunderstorms Expected in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is currently experiencing a mix of weather conditions, with fair skies reported as of now and scattered thunderstorms expected on Monday. Temperatures are forecasted to rise significantly, with highs reaching 98°F (36.7°C) on Monday and 104°F (40°C) on Tuesday. A Heat Advisory remains in effect until Sunday at 8 PM, as feels-like temperatures are expected to exceed 105°F (40.6°C) during the afternoon hours. Rain chances are anticipated to return to the metro area early in the week, potentially impacting Monday morning activities, but conditions are expected to dry out by Tuesday.

Savannah Morning News

1.6 million egg-recall upgraded to FDA's highest risk. Is GA impacted?

1.6 million egg-recall upgraded to FDA's highest risk. Is GA impacted?

A recall of 1.6 million eggs has been upgraded to the FDA's highest-risk warning for salmonella. Have any Georgia stores been affected? Any patients?

Glenpool Roads Closed Following Gas Fire Sparked by Lightning Strike

Glenpool Roads Closed Following Gas Fire Sparked by Lightning Strike

Glenpool police and firefighters have closed several roads in Glenpool, Oklahoma, following a gas fire that erupted at the Explorer Pipeline tank farm. The incident, believed to be caused by a lightning strike shortly before 8:30 a.m. Monday, resulted in three tanks catching fire. The affected area includes 126th Street and Elwood Avenue, and 126th Street and Casper Street, which are currently locked down. Officials have advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes, specifically recommending 121st Street and Elwood Avenue. Containment remains intact, and no additional tanks have caught fire. Air monitoring is ongoing, with no immediate concerns reported for public safety from the smoke, though residents are advised to limit outdoor activities.

Glenpool Experiences Massive Liquid Gas Tank Fire, Prompting Evacuations and School Sheltering

Glenpool Experiences Massive Liquid Gas Tank Fire, Prompting Evacuations and School Sheltering

A significant liquid gas tank fire erupted in Glenpool, Oklahoma, following an explosion at the Explorer Pipeline facility on West 126th Street near Highway 75. The incident, which occurred shortly after 8:30 a.m., involved two tanks exploding, leading to large flames and a substantial black smoke plume. As a precautionary measure, surrounding businesses and homes in the area were evacuated. Glenpool Public Schools officials confirmed that schools initiated shelter-in-place protocols, ensuring all students remained safe within buildings. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the vicinity of 126th Street and Elwood Avenue, as well as 126th Street and Casper, while suggesting detours around 121st Street and Elwood Avenue. No injuries have been reported in connection with the fire. Glenpool is a city located in Tulsa County, northeast of Oklahoma City, with a population exceeding 14,000.