Here is the Oklahoma journalism I’ve hand-picked for you this Thursday:

• Gov. Stitt says he is intent on helping Oklahomans impacted by possible Tinker layoffs — if they happen.

• Jon Echols is the first to announce a bid for Oklahoma attorney general.

• OU hires Jim Nagy as new football general manager.

• Sooners fall to Kentucky on Oweh tip-in, 83-82.

Weather Update ☀️

Another nice day ahead Thursday, Oklahoma. Less wind is expected. More sunny.

🌡️ Thursday’s high in OKC 67°
🌡️ Thursday’s high in Tulsa 66°

Hearing about possible rain chances this weekend, but nothing concrete.

1️⃣ Gov. Stitt says Oklahoma will help folks affected by possible Tinker Air Force Base layoffs

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt told reporters Wednesday that while the state will certainly do all it can to help anybody impacted by future layoffs at Tinker Air Force Base, the layoffs themselves are just “business” and “part of life.”

A report published on Sunday in Topeka, Kansas, and on a Broken Arrow news site (same report) prompted concern after it suggested that 600 layoffs could be coming to Tinker Air Force Base on Monday.

Those layoffs haven’t happened yet, but are expected soon.

They are expected to impact probationary employees.

Selected Coverage 👀

• ‘That’s Part Of Life’: Stitt addresses Tinker Air Force Base layoff rumors (The Oklahoman, paywall)

• Gov. Stitt comments after Tinker AFB layoff rumors (KFOR)

• Gov. Kevin Stitt pledges support if federal government cuts affect Tinker Air Force Base (KOCO)

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2️⃣ Former legislator Jon Echols announces bid for Oklahoma attorney general

By Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice
Click here to read the full story.

Former lawmaker Jon Echols on Wednesday announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for Oklahoma attorney general.

Echols recently spent 12 years in the Oklahoma House, serving as majority floor leader the last eight.

Echols, 45, holds a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Oklahoma and a law degree from Oklahoma City University.

He is a small business owner, attorney and adjunct law professor.

(Echols talked with Oklahoma Voice about why he was running for AG, so be sure to click the link above!)

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Oklahoma News Headlines 📰

• Tulsa Public Schools audit released after 2 weeks (News On 6)

• State auditor says TPS employees’ misconduct part of larger problem (2 News Oklahoma)

• Black History Day takes over at Oklahoma State Capitol as DEI cuts continue (Black Wall Street Times)

• Oklahoma City looking into Lake Overholser dam renovation (KOCO)

• Family speaks out after man killed in stabbing in Edmond (KOCO)

• Oklahoma family speaks out after being targeted by DHS trainee (News 9)

• State Dept. of Education posts RFP for ‘Bible-based curriculum’ (KFOR)

• ‘Popping the OU bubble’: Norman aims to retain university graduates by increasing city opportunities (OU Daily)

• Norman Regional seeking possible partnership or sale (StateImpact Oklahoma)

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Sports Headlines 🏀⚾

🚨 Sooners fall to Kentucky 83-82
Former OU guard Otega Oweh hit a shot off the glass with 6 seconds left and was in on a final stop of Jeremiah Fears as the Kentucky Wildcats edged Oklahoma 83-82 on Wednesday night at the Lloyd Noble Center. (ESPN)

Oklahoma hires Jim Nagy as general manager: The university announced the hiring of Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy as its new general manager for the football program. (Reuters)

Dean Blevins: 2 big hires could lead OU back to prominence (News 9)

Balanced attack leads Thunder past Nets (Thunder Gametracker)

No. 13 Oklahoma Women's Basketball Faces Florida: The Sooners (21-6, 9-5 SEC) will travel to Gainesville to take on Florida (14-14, 5-9 SEC) on Thursday night, seeking their sixth straight win. (SoonerSports)

OU baseball beats Texas Southern for midweek sweep (SoonerSports)

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