Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 • Picture perfect. Upper 60s, lower 70s. ☀️

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In today’s Memo:

• Epic’s money trouble, explained: A forensic investigation found mismanagement — not embezzlement — drove Epic Charter School’s budget crisis, citing flawed enrollment projections, weak oversight, and major transparency gaps.

• Vaccine guidance shift raises alarms: The CDC quietly reduced the number of fully recommended childhood vaccines, moving six to “shared decision-making,” prompting sharp criticism from pediatricians and questions for Oklahoma families.

• ‘Bigger than Daytona?’ The Chili Bowl Nationals open their 40th year in Tulsa, drawing 400+ drivers, national stars, and an estimated $60 million economic impact in a single week.

By Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice
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OKLAHOMA CITY — An investigation of Epic Charter School’s finances determined inexplicably poor budget management, misguided enrollment projections, a lack of transparency and too few questions asked all contributed to a fiscal crisis last school year.

The Statewide Charter School Board heard the investigation results on Monday after calling for the probe in July. The board ordered the forensic audit after Epic carried out two rounds of mass layoffs and other major cuts to avoid insolvency during the 2025 fiscal year.

Investigators from the accounting firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC said they found no evidence of embezzlement.

Rather, the audit found Epic administrators placed too much faith in a flawed enrollment projection model and overestimated their 2024-25 school year student count. A public school’s enrollment is typically the top factor that determines its annual funding.

Click here for the full story.

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By Jillian Taylor, StateImpact Oklahoma
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The CDC reduced the number of fully recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11, following a December directive to review vaccine schedules in other high-income countries. An Oklahoma vaccine advocacy group argues this move doesn’t reflect scientific evidence and could have consequences for families.

The new childhood immunization schedule shifts six vaccines from being universally recommended to being based on shared clinical decision-making. This means the agency recommends families and providers discuss individual risks and health circumstances before deciding whether a child should get an immunization.

Vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, influenza and COVID-19 were shifted to this category. This kind of change is typically discussed and voted on in a public Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting.

Instead, it was requested via a signed memorandum from Trump administration leaders and justified by a 33-page assessment.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said in a press release that all CDC-recommended vaccines will remain covered by insurance without cost-sharing.

“No family will lose access,” Oz said. “This framework empowers parents and physicians to make individualized decisions based on risk, while maintaining strong protection against serious disease.”

American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Andrew Racine said in a statement this change is “dangerous and unnecessary.” The academy has published its own recommendations for childhood vaccines.

But what are providers in Oklahoma saying?

Click here for the full story.

By Ismael Lele, The Oklahoma Eagle
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Tulsa’s Chili Bowl Nationals kicked off its 40th year of racing Monday, with a former champion calling it the most packed race to date. 

“I was scared to say that this was bigger than (the) Daytona (500), but it is. It truly is. It’s not in the world’s eyes, but in true motor sports fans’ eyes,” said Tony Stewart, a former NASCAR driver and two-time Chili Bowl champion.

More than 400 drivers, both professional and amateur alike, will participate in a six-day dirt race, steering their small triangular-shaped vehicles called “midget cars” toward the finish line. The ultimate goal: Capture the elusive Golden Driller trophy. 

The event, which began in 1987, will take place at the SageNet Center at Expo Square. Mayor Monroe Nichols says the Chili Bowl has become vital to Tulsa’s economy, infusing $60 million over the course of a week.

“The $60 million is what we lift up. That’s really important. But I think the true economic impact of the Chili Bowl is something that might be something that’s almost unquantifiable,” Nichols said.

Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, both active NASCAR racers with three Chili Bowl championships to their names, spoke about their love for Tulsa’s race during Monday’s kickoff press conference. Bell, a native Oklahoman, highlighted the atmosphere and the diversity of racers.  

“It’s so cool that we, the guys that are at the top, are able to come down and bring a spotlight on the younger generation of drivers and … to see all of the talents that we have coming up. And I think it’s a great opportunity for young drivers to try and prove themselves,” Bell said. 

Click here for the full story.

Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.

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A hand-curated list of the best journalism from across the state:

• Broken Arrow denies mosque rezoning request (News On 6)

• Victim identified, suspect arrested after fatal OKC hotel shooting (The Oklahoman)*

• 'It cost him his life': Family says security guard shot at hotel took job to save for dental school (KOCO)

• Stepfather of 12-year-old Chickasha boy hospitalized following suicide attempt (News 9)

• Oklahoma agencies present budget requests to Senate fiscal committees on natural resources, education (KOSU)

• Former House Speaker T.W. Shannon announces run for Oklahoma lieutenant governor (News 9)

• Families speak out in wake of news of State Farm hail scheme (Oklahoma Watch)

• Mayor's message on ICE killing in Minnesota draws rebuke from sheriff (Tulsa World)*

• The racial politics of a sheriff correcting a Black mayor (The Black Wall Street Times)

• Oklahoma County killer to seek clemency (Oklahoma Voice)

• Lawton Public Schools names new superintendent (KSWO)

• Want tickets to OKC Olympics events? Here's how to start the process (KOSU)

• Legal roundup: Car dealer cases jump started, gun charge upheld, Enid water suit sunk (NonDoc)

• Deadly hit-and-run crash in Norman, OHP seeks public’s assistance (KFOR)

• Durant High School gym to be renamed in honor of Robinson family (KXII)

• Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry holds statewide contest (Public Radio Tulsa)

• Sapulpa’s Dewey Avenue set to open Friday (News On 6)

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