Oklahomans React To Deadly D.C. Mid-Air Collision

The biggest stories across Oklahoma:

• Oklahomans react to deadly mid-air collision in Washington, D.C.

• Gov. Stitt to weigh in on which undocumented criminals are deported first

• OSDE opens investigation into Okmulgee Public Schools

Plus, our Friday feature: ‘Fun Things To Do This Weekend!’

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Beautiful Weekend Ahead! ☀️

We move from January to February this weekend, but it’s going to feel like March! The groundhog will likely see his shadow, meaning “six more weeks of winter,” for those who believe in such things.

But check out these temps…

🌡️ Highs in OKC 57°, 66°, 70°
🌡️ Highs in Tulsa 56°, 62°, 66°

I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but I feel obligated to show you this X post from KFOR Chief Meteorologist Mike Morgan about the week after next.

“Boo, Mike! Booooooo!” ❄️

🗞️ Big Story: Oklahomans React To Deadly D.C. Mid-Air Collision

67 people were killed Wednesday night over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. when a passenger jet from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Black Hawk helicopter. It was the deadliest airliner crash the United States has seen in 23 years and the first major commercial crash here since 2009.

KOCO had team coverage of the tragedy:

KOCO’s Dacoda Wahpekeche talked to State Sen. Paul Rosino (R-Oklahoma City) about the crash. Rosino served in the military and worked on aircraft safety.

"Just under 70 souls on board between the helicopter and the aircraft. It's awful. Just awful,” Rosino said.

Kolby Terrell talked to Oklahomans whose flight Wednesday night to D.C. was diverted moments after the crash.

Meghan Mosley attended a prayer vigil Thursday afternoon in Wichita. The message was all about coming together.

“In memory of those who have lost their lives, in honor of the families that are grieving, I’m asking that we come together as Wichitans, Kansans, and Americans,” said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu.

And Kilee Thomas talked to Oklahoma members of the U.S. Figure Skating community. In all, 14 members of the figure skating community died in the crash Wednesday night. They were headed home from a national development camp in Wichita.

Oklahoma Voice: Gov. Stitt To Have Say In Which Undocumented Criminals Are Deported First

By Emma Murphy
Gov. Kevin Stitt said he will review the cases of undocumented immigrants serving time in Oklahoma correctional facilities individually before deciding whether to commute any sentences so that they can be deported.

The Republican governor made the remarks Wednesday when asked how he was planning to balance victim rights and public safety with his plan to save taxpayers money by deporting undocumented criminals serving time in Oklahoma prisons. 

“We’re not going to let bad people out just to make a political statement,” Stitt said. “But I also think about the tens of billions of dollars that Oklahoma taxpayers are spending to be incarcerating people that really shouldn’t be in our state anyway.”

He said the Department of Corrections has over 500 undocumented immigrants in custody. 

Read the full story: Oklahoma Voice

Investigation Opened Into Okmulgee Public Schools; Superintendent Resigns

Okmulgee's school board held a special meeting Thursday night to discuss the resignation of its superintendent, hours after the state Department of Education announced an investigation into the district.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters detailed it on social media:

News On 6 reporter Cal Day says Clay Vinyard started as superintendent in Okmulgee just last June, having worked at Tulsa Edison middle and high school before that.

Oklahoma Headlines

• Oklahoma education ranks near bottom of national report card for math, reading (StateImpact Oklahoma)

• Protestors gather for Walters’ visit to elementary school in Tulsa (News On 6)

• OKCPS closed, Edmond PS goes virtual Friday due to flu outbreak (Oklahoman, paywall)

• Tulsa’s downtown convention center getting new name (Tulsa World, paywall)

• Castiglione has update on defensive coordinator, GM search (Tulsa World, paywall)

• Norman mayor, mayoral challengers debate at Gaylord College (OU Daily)

• Muskogee committee no closer on sales tax suggestions (Muskogee Phoenix, paywall)

• Quality of life plan approved for Duncan (Duncan Banner)

🎉 Fun Things to Do in OKC This Weekend

🏀 Oklahoma Sooners vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

📍 Lloyd Noble Center, Norman
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 | ⏰ 2:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets start at $7

🏀 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings

📍 Paycom Center, OKC
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 | ⏰ 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets start at $42

🎶 Josh Meloy Concert

📍 The Criterion, OKC
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 | ⏰ 7:45 PM
🎟️ Tickets start at $51

🎭 'The Children' by Lucy Kirkwood

📍 Carpenter Square Theatre, OKC
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 | ⏰ 8:00 PM
🗓️ Sunday, February 2 | ⏰ 2:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets are $30

🔫 Claude Hall's Original OKC Gun Show

📍 Oklahoma Expo Hall, OKC Fairgrounds
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, February 1-2
🎟️ Admission is $13

🎉 Fun Things to Do in Tulsa This Weekend

🛍️ 40th Annual Tulsa Women's Expo With A Cause

📍 Central Park Hall at Expo Square
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, February 1-2, 2025
💡 Tulsa's largest two-day women's event featuring fashion shows, fitness demos, beauty makeovers, and more!
🎟️ More Information & Tickets

🎨 Bringing It All Back Home: The Complete Unknown Tour

📍 Bob Dylan Center, 116 E Reconciliation Way, Tulsa
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 | ⏰ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
💡 Dive into the legacy of Bob Dylan with this engaging tour.
🎟️ More Information

🏀 Denver Pioneers at Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (Women's Basketball)

📍 Mabee Center, Tulsa
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 | ⏰ 2:00 PM
💡 Cheer on ORU as they take on Denver in women’s basketball action!
🎟️ Tickets Starting at $3

🌿 Tulsa Farmers' Market

📍 1 S. Lewis Ave, Tulsa
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 | ⏰ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
💡 Browse fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more at Tulsa’s premier farmers' market.
🎟️ More Information

🎶 Live Music at Gathering Place

📍 Gathering Place, 2650 S John Williams Way E, Tulsa
🗓️ Saturday, February 1 (Check event calendar for times)
💡 Enjoy free live music performances featuring local artists in a beautiful park setting.
🎟️ Event Calendar

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