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Grand jury issues scathing report on GEER funds, but no charges recommended

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www.youtube.com – KFOR Oklahoma’s News 4 – 2024-10-18 16:19:29


SUMMARY: A multi-county grand jury report criticizes the distribution of federal COVID relief funds for Oklahoma children during the pandemic, describing the process as irresponsible and disappointing. While not criminal, the report highlights that families used funds for non-essential items like doorbell cameras and gaming consoles, under the oversight of State Superintendent Ryan Walters. It notes that many families applied for private school funds too late, resulting in over 650 students missing out on tuition assistance. The grand jury indicated that more effective management could have avoided these issues, criticizing Governor Stitt’s rejection of guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.

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Grand jury issues scathing report on GEER funds, but no charges recommended

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News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Lawmakers seek to expand work requirements for those on food stamps | National

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Thérèse Boudreaux | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-31 16:20:00

(The Center Square) – Many older individuals and primary caretakers receiving food stamps could face work requirements if recently introduced Republican legislation becomes law.

Currently, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does not impose work requirements on able-bodied adults with no dependents over the age of 54. It also exempts able-bodied adults who are primary caretakers of a dependent child from work requirements.

But the SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act, reintroduced by U.S. Rep. John Brecheen, R-Okla., with Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, would change that. Brecheen said the SNAP status quo “has created a culture of dependency instead of opportunity,” necessitating reform.

“For decades, the federal government has grossly mismanaged SNAP, loosening eligibility requirements, allowing more recipients to be totally exempt from work requirements, and overseeing massive fraud and abuse,” the lawmaker said. “It’s time to return to commonsense policies that promote our American values of hard work and individual responsibility.”

The bill would change the work requirement age from 54 to 64 and require able-bodied primary caretakers to work once one or more of the dependent children turns seven years old. For married couples with a dependent over the age of six, the work requirement hours can be fulfilled jointly.

It would also amend how U.S. poverty levels are determined, require participating states to increasingly match federal SNAP funds, and crack down on fraud, including by permanently disqualifying food stamp recipients from future benefits if they commit fraud.

In 2024, the federal government spent $93.6 million in taxpayer dollars on SNAP benefits. More than 42 million individuals received these benefits in September 2024, averaging $189.55 a month, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture, which runs the program.

The post Lawmakers seek to expand work requirements for those on food stamps | National appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

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News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Life of David Boren memorialized in ceremony attended by hundreds

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www.youtube.com – KOCO 5 News – 2025-03-30 08:38:08


SUMMARY: A ceremony held in Oklahoma City honored the life of David Boren, the former governor, U.S. senator, and president of the University of Oklahoma, who passed away at 83. Around 600 attendees gathered at Saint Luke’s Methodist Church to celebrate Boren’s legacy and impact on the state, reflecting on his dedication to public service. Friends and colleagues, including Chancellor Sean Burrage and former U.S. Senator Don Nickles, shared personal anecdotes highlighting Boren’s influence on their careers and the bipartisan cooperation he embodied. The service was a heartfelt tribute to a respected figure in Oklahoma’s political and educational landscape.

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Life of David Boren memorialized in ceremony attended by hundreds

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News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed

Tornado watch, severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Oklahoma

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www.youtube.com – KOCO 5 News – 2025-03-29 20:58:13


SUMMARY: A tornado watch has been issued for central and northeastern Oklahoma until 1 a.m., with severe thunderstorms moving across the region. Storms near Elk City have been upgraded to severe, with quarter-sized hail and 60 mph winds. Additional storms along the Red River are also producing severe conditions. While the storms are primarily bringing heavy rain and lightning, the tornado risk remains low due to a cold front pushing through. Areas affected include Enid, Hunter, and Salt Fork, with storms expected to continue northeast toward I-35 in the next couple of hours.

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Tornado watch, severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Oklahoma

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