Lawton Police Department announces appointment of new chief of police
Lawton, OK – The Lawton Police Department announced that Craig Akard has officially assumed the role of chief of police. Department officials said they are looking forward to the future of the agency under Akard’s leadership and expressed confidence in his commitment to both the…
Oklahoma students would not be allowed to use phones at all in schools under sweeping new law, as lawmakers advance bill to Governor Stitt’s desk for final approval
Oklahoma — Lawmakers have advanced legislation to make the state’s school cellphone restrictions permanent, moving a measure known as the “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policy to Governor Kevin Stitt’s desk for final approval. The bill, officially House Bill 1276 (HB 1276), would permanently prohibit…
Lawton community volunteers collect multiple truckloads of trash during Stream Clean initiative
Lawton, OK — Volunteers across Lawton participated in a weekend cleanup effort that removed several truckloads of trash from local waterways and neighborhoods, according to the City of Lawton. The Stream Clean initiative brought together community members working at Numu Creek, where volunteers collected two…
Lawton Fire Department hosts ribbon cutting for new Safe Haven Baby Box at Station 5
Lawton, OK — The Lawton Fire Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Safe Haven Baby Box at Station 5, marking the addition of a resource aimed at providing a safe option for infants in crisis situations. Officials said the installation reflects the department’s…
Lawton appoints new police chief with more than three decades of experience
Lawton, OK — The City of Lawton has announced the appointment of a new police chief to lead the Lawton Police Department, with the transition set to take effect May 11, 2026. City officials said the newly appointed chief brings more than 30 years of…
Oklahoma Senate candidate found deceased during search after days-long disappearance, state investigators confirm 54-year-old was discovered inside vehicle in rural area
Oklahoma – A Republican candidate for the Oklahoma State Senate, Barry Christian, was found dead after being reported missing in Beckham County, authorities confirmed. The 54-year-old candidate was discovered inside a vehicle in a rural area after an extensive search effort involving local law enforcement…
Oklahoma Highway Patrol releases footage following arrest in fatal shooting investigation after traffic stop, stating 35-year-old suspect was passenger in vehicle
Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has released footage following an arrest connected to a fatal shooting investigation in Muskogee County. According to authorities, the investigation began after a shooting on April 18, 2026, near Fort Gibson, where deputies with the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office…
$2 billion state investment deal raises questions over company linked to Gov. Stitt
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is facing renewed political scrutiny after state records and investigative reporting raised questions about a $2 billion investment advisory contract awarded through the state’s new Invest in Oklahoma program, a system designed to steer pension and public trust money…
Oklahoma bill signed, Governor Stitt and lawmakers say it will eliminate state income tax
Oklahoma – Kevin Stitt signed a series of bills into law on April 23, 2026, including a measure that could significantly reshape the state’s tax structure by setting Oklahoma on a long-term path to eliminating its income tax. The centerpiece of the legislation, House Bill…
Gov. Stitt signs wide-ranging education, tax, medical marijuana, environmental and regulatory reform bills into law while vetoing measure to extend Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education
Oklahoma – Governor Kevin Stitt signed a wide range of legislation into law on April 20, 2026, while issuing one veto, according to an official release. The governor approved several bills covering transportation, education, taxation, environmental policy, and regulatory reform. Among the signed measures was…
Oklahoma approves benefit increases as lawmakers estimate changes could carry long-term cost of more than $300 million to pension system
Oklahoma – Oklahoma Republican lawmakers advanced a series of bills providing cost-of-living adjustments for retired public employees, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, judges, and other state retirees, as part of a broader budget agreement tied to ongoing pension and fiscal policy discussions. The measures were…
Lawton Fire Department responds to injured hiker in Wichita Mountains in coordinated rescue effort
Lawton, OK – The Lawton Fire Department responded to an injured hiker in the Wichita Mountains on April 16, working alongside the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and the Comanche Nation Fire Department to reach the individual and provide assistance. Crews located and assisted the hiker…
