News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Cruz introduces bill to expand tax-deferred educational savings plans | National

Published

6 months ago

January 21, 2025

www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2025-01-21 12:20:00

SUMMARY: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Student Empowerment Act to expand the use of 529 education savings accounts. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow K-12 expenses, including curriculum, tutoring, educational materials, and therapies, to be covered by 529 funds. It extends this benefit to students in public, private, religious schools, and homeschoolers. The bill aims to restore the original intent of the Student Opportunity Amendment, supporting families with more flexible educational options. It has bipartisan backing and has been praised by homeschool and educational groups for offering greater financial freedom to families.

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News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

LOFT report uncovers what led to multi-million dollar budget shortfall

Published

22 hours ago

July 4, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4 – 2025-07-04 22:53:19

SUMMARY: The LOFT report reveals massive mismanagement at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services under former Commissioner Ali Friesen. Investigations found the department underestimated Medicaid costs, overspent on pet projects like an $18 million Super Bowl commercial and a half-million-dollar Hip-Hop Nutcracker movie, and misused millions meant for child crisis care and social services grants. Executive salaries nearly doubled, and funds were shifted across budgets to cover overruns. The new law prohibits such malfeasance, potentially leading to criminal charges. Critics blame Governor Kevin Stitt for failing to remove Friesen despite worsening financial issues.

LOFT report uncovers what led to multi-million dollar budget shortfall

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News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Body of missing man recovered at Arcadia Lake

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4 – 2025-07-02 22:16:15

SUMMARY: A man in his 50s went missing at Arcadia Lake after jumping off a boat to cool off but was unable to swim. His companion tried to help him back aboard, but the boat drifted away, leaving him stranded. Police, fire, and dive teams launched a search that lasted late into Saturday night but was halted due to underwater currents and conditions. The search resumed Sunday using sonar, locating the man 32 feet deep. The dive team recovered his body in a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. Police have not released his name, and the family mourns the tragic loss.

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News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Turnpike frustration continues in Norman

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4 – 2025-07-01 23:00:00

SUMMARY: Frustrations continue in Norman over a proposed turnpike that could uproot parts of East Norman. The turnpike appears in the city’s 2045 Transportation Plan, recently approved by the Norman City Council, sparking taxpayer concerns about growth management and development. Critics argue the city should focus on infill rather than expanding into East Norman. Although the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in 2006 that turnpikes cannot be used for economic development, the proposed route remains in city and Access Oklahoma plans as a long-term planning document. City officials say inclusion on the map doesn’t guarantee construction, but residents question why it’s shown if not intended.