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Articles by Devyn Lyon
Croisant, Tedford offer different plans to lower costs for Green Country families
From buying groceries to finding an affordable home, the candidates seeking to represent Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District say household costs are a central concern heading into Tuesday’s election. Democrat John Croisant and Republican Mark Tedford outlined different approaches in separate interviews with FOX23. Croisant emphasized investment in education, healthcare, housing and childcare.
New Oklahoma laws take effect Nov. 1: What changes for you
TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma's ban on child marriage, new rules for medical marijuana edibles and changes to cash payments are among the laws taking effect Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Here is a breakdown of several changes affecting Oklahomans, with a link below to search the Legislature's broader list. Marriage restricted to adults — SB504 Anyone getting married in Oklahoma must now be at least 18. The law removes exceptions that allowed minors to marry with parental consent or a judge's approval.
Pryor’s free after-school program gives students new experiences, connections
PRYOR, Okla. — For some Pryor students, the end of the school day means a chance to climb onto a horse, paddle a canoe or cast a fishing line. Those experiences are part of Tiger Pride, Pryor Public Schools’ free after-school program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The program serves students in third through eighth grades through four seasonal sessions each year. Sessions last six to eight weeks, with activities changing throughout the year.
Confidential agreement outlined Inola smelter incentives before legislative vote
INOLA, Okla. - An agreement signed by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and a company owned by government investment entities in the United Arab Emirates outlined hundreds of millions of dollars in proposed incentives for a $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola nearly a month before lawmakers approved legislation creating a state incentive program.
Bryce House celebrates 20 years of supporting men in recovery
TULSA, Okla. — When James King arrived at Bryce House 17 months ago, he needed structure, support and a safe place to continue his recovery. Now, he is the house manager, helping other men navigate the same journey. “I needed structure, I needed routine, and it’s totally changed my life,” King said. His experience was among those celebrated Thursday as Bryce House marked its 20th anniversary.
Tulsa City leaders discuss homelessness funding
TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa City leaders are looking at the money used by Safe Move Tulsa, an initiative to combat homelessness downtown. Outreach teams are reporting fewer encounters downtown, but how many people are actually getting into housing, as opposed to just going somewhere else, is still a question. Grand Mental Health Outreach Director Scott Whitefield says his teams offer rides to shelter and connections to services.
OG&E hearing delayed as regulators weigh who pays to power data centers
TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma regulators have moved a hearing on OG & E’s proposed rules for large electricity users to January, extending a case that could help determine how the costs of powering data centers are divided and whether other customers could be left paying more. The hearing, previously scheduled for November 3, is now set for January 12, 2027.
Miami neighbors demand action on fire-damaged home as city works toward demolition Original
MIAMI, Okla. — Neighbors in Miami, Oklahoma, are demanding answers about a fire-damaged home that has been standing for nearly two years, raising concerns about public safety, possible environmental hazards and how long it is taking the city to address the property. The home at 1645 B Street NE has caught fire multiple times since late 2024, according to residents living nearby. Tulsa’s News Pulse visited the property Thursday and found extensive structural damage.
Sen. Lankford discusses data centers, energy costs and federal permitting while in Tulsa
TULSA, Okla. — With the midterm elections just weeks away, U.S. Sen. James Lankford spoke to Tulsa business leaders and elected officials Wednesday about several issues affecting Oklahoma families, including rising energy costs, data center development, housing affordability and the future of major industrial projects.
OK examines workforce gaps: Tulsa projections show demand for health care, trades, drivers
TULSA, Okla. — For Oklahomans considering a career change, finding a field with job openings is only the beginning. Training costs, time away from work and potential pay can all influence whether an opportunity makes sense for a family. State workforce leaders said employers face a related challenge: finding enough people with the skills they need and keeping those workers in Oklahoma.
OK examines workforce gaps: Tulsa projections show demand for health care, trades, drivers
TULSA, Okla. — For Oklahomans considering a career change, finding a field with job openings is only the beginning. Training costs, time away from work and potential pay can all influence whether an opportunity makes sense for a family. State workforce leaders said employers face a related challenge: finding enough people with the skills they need and keeping those workers in Oklahoma.
OK examines workforce gaps: Tulsa projections show demand for health care, trades, drivers
TULSA, Okla. — For Oklahomans considering a career change, finding a field with job openings is only the beginning. Training costs, time away from work and potential pay can all influence whether an opportunity makes sense for a family. State workforce leaders said employers face a related challenge: finding enough people with the skills they need and keeping those workers in Oklahoma.
Tulsa Ports authorizes lawsuit against Inola over development restrictions
CATOOSA, Okla. — Tulsa Ports board members voted unanimously on Thursday to authorize a lawsuit against the Town of Inola over industrial development restrictions, including a permit moratorium affecting the proposed aluminum smelter. The board also approved retaining GableGotwals as legal counsel for litigation related to the proposed smelter.
TPD Chief outlines accountability measures ahead of possible public safety oversight vote
TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Police Chief Jonathan Brooks outlined his department's complaint process, internal investigations and plans for greater transparency on Wednesday as city councilors consider creating an independent public safety oversight office and civilian board. KTUL is following Wednesday evening's city council meeting and will update this story with any actions taken on the proposal.
Fire damages 14 electric vehicles at Broken Arrow dealership
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Broken Arrow Fire Department is responding to a fire near North Elm Place and Highway 51. BAFD say a multi-vehicle fire took place at a local dealership Saturday evening. According to BAFD, the fire spread to 14 vehicles and heavily damaged five of them. The rest of the vehicles suffered thermal damage. All the vehicles involved in the fire were electric. BAFD said crews moved the surrounding cars away from the fire and the fire is now under control.
Who checks data center promises? Tulsa County Commissioner wants outside technical help
TULSA, Okla. — Before local officials approve a data center, how can they check what developers tell them about water, electricity and the effects on nearby neighborhoods? Tulsa County Commissioner Stan Sallee wants communities to have access to an outside technical resource to help answer those questions. He shared that idea with state lawmakers during a recent interim study examining data center developments in Oklahoma. Rep. Mark Chapman (R-Broken Arrow) lead the study.
Oklahoma residents seek answers on data center costs, cooling and accountability Original
TULSA, Okla. — As data center development draws attention across Oklahoma, residents interviewed by FOX23 said they want clear answers about electricity costs, water use and what it could mean to live near one. For Tulsa resident Barbara Coleman, the concern is whether new development could leave households paying costs they cannot afford. "I don't mind them being around," Coleman explained. "I am concerned that they might find a loophole and say 'okay well, sorry.
FOX23 examines competing claims over Kentucky soil sample collection
TULSA, Okla. — FOX23 News followed up with Carl Day about Oklahoma Primary Aluminum’s criticism of how he collected the Kentucky soil and grass samples. OPA previously questioned Day’s sampling methods, including where the samples were collected, and said neither the laboratory or the Oklahoma State University (OSU) toxicologist who reviewed the results verified that the samples were collected using standard environmental testing controls.
Judge weighs latest challenge to Inola smelter petition as debate reaches White House
ROGERS COUNTY, Okla. — The fight over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola returned to a Rogers County courtroom on Friday, as a judge considered whether two Inola voters should be allowed to intervene in the legal battle surrounding a citizen-led petition that could ultimately ban primary aluminum smelting within town limits. The hearing came one day after President Donald Trump promoted the proposed aluminum project during a visit to Oklahoma.
Creek County Family Treatment Court supports parents in recovery, helps with reunification
CREEK COUNTY, Okla. — For parents whose children have been removed from home, recovering from a substance use disorder can also mean navigating a court process to bring their family back together. Creek County's Family Treatment Court brings treatment providers, child welfare workers, attorneys and the court together to help parents work toward recovery and safe reunification with their children.
Tulsa County leaders outline changes at juvenile detention center two years after takeover
TULSA, Okla. — Two years after Tulsa County commissioners took over operations of the county’s juvenile detention center, leaders opened the facility to reporters Wednesday to show changes they say are improving safety, staff training and care for children in custody. The takeover followed allegations of abuse, the arrests of two former detention officers and a search of the Family Center for Juvenile Justice by state and federal authorities in 2024.
New study projects $49 billion impact from Inola aluminum smelter as local debate continue
INOLA, Okla. — Oklahoma Primary Aluminum is putting new numbers behind its argument for building a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, projecting the multibillion dollar project could have a nearly $49 billion economic impact in Oklahoma through 2060. The economic impact study released by Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) projects the proposed facility would contribute an average of roughly $1.45 billion to Oklahoma’s gross domestic product each year and support about 7,000 jobs annually.
New study projects $49 billion impact from Inola aluminum smelter as local debate continue
INOLA, Okla. — Oklahoma Primary Aluminum is putting new numbers behind its argument for building a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, projecting the multibillion dollar project could have a nearly $49 billion economic impact in Oklahoma through 2060. The economic impact study released by Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) projects the proposed facility would contribute an average of roughly $1.45 billion to Oklahoma’s gross domestic product each year and support about 7,000 jobs annually.
3 accused in TPS bond fraud case return to court as Kerr staff protest proposed closure
TULSA, Okla. — A judge set aside three days in November for the next hearing in a criminal case involving more than $779,000 in voter-approved Tulsa Public Schools bond money. Former TPS bond official Chris Hudgins and contractors Thomas McKenna and Gayle Gwinup appeared in Tulsa County court on Wednesday. All three have pleaded not guilty to charges that include embezzlement and conspiracy to defraud a school district. According to the court docket, Judge April Seibert scheduled the case for Nov.
Federal fentanyl warning prompts Tulsa officials to stress preparation over panic
TULSA, Okla. — A new federal warning is drawing attention to three fentanyl analogues that officials say are especially potent or increasingly prevalent across the country. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy identified carfentanil, fluorofentanyl and methylfentanyl as the greatest current threats among fentanyl analogues.
Tulsa organizations address food insecurity as a community health issue
TULSA, Okla. — Healthcare does not always begin inside a doctor's office or a hospital. For some Tulsa organizations, it may begin with whether families can find and afford nutritious food close to home. Ascension St. John is supporting RG Foods and other community organizations working to address food insecurity as a health issue, connecting access to fresh food with efforts to prevent or better manage conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Tulsa organizations address food insecurity as a community health issue
TULSA, Okla. — Healthcare does not always begin inside a doctor’s office or a hospital. For some Tulsa organizations, it may begin with whether families can find and afford nutritious food close to home. Ascension St. John is supporting RG Foods and other community organizations working to address food insecurity as a health issue, connecting access to fresh food with efforts to prevent or better manage conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Officials warn terrorism remains a concern 25 years after 9/11
TULSA, Okla. — After the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, a United States Attorney for the State of Oklahoma said the fight against terrorism is not over and it's happening everyday in Oklahoma. “Our office has multiple cases involving material support to al-Qaeda,” said Chris Nassar, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma law enforcement leaders reflect on 9/11 and changes to public safety
TULSA, Okla. — Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, northeast Oklahoma law enforcement leaders gathered in Tulsa to honor the lives lost and explain how the failures exposed that day continue to shape public safety. Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler was joined Friday by U.S. Attorney Christopher Nassar, Tulsa Police Chief Jonathan Brooks, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, Tulsa County Commissioner Lonnie Sims and other local, state and federal leaders.
Tulsa Tech students too young to remember 9/11 carry legacy toward law enforcement careers
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — They were not alive when the World Trade Center towers fell, but a group of Tulsa Tech students preparing for careers in law enforcement says the actions of first responders on September 11, 2001, still provide an example worth following. More than 50 students from Tulsa Tech’s Criminal Justice program completed a memorial stair climb Thursday at the school’s Broken Arrow campus, one day before the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Tulsa Tech students too young to remember 9/11 carry legacy toward law enforcement careers
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — They were not alive when the World Trade Center towers fell, but a group of Tulsa Tech students preparing for careers in law enforcement says the actions of first responders on September 11, 2001, still provide an example worth following. More than 50 students from Tulsa Tech’s Criminal Justice program completed a memorial stair climb Thursday at the school’s Broken Arrow campus, one day before the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Inola smelter petition clears signature hurdle as companies seek to pause process
INOLA, Okla. — A citizen-led effort seeking to prohibit primary aluminum smelting within the Town of Inola has cleared a major signature hurdle in court, but a new filing could determine what happens next. The initiative petition, which was filed by Kerissa Stonebarger in July, seeks an ordinance prohibiting primary aluminum smelting within Inola's town limits, regardless of zoning district.
Company behind proposed Inola aluminum smelter lowers fluoride emissions limit by 37%
INOLA, Okla. — The company behind the proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola has lowered its proposed fluoride emissions limit by 37% as state environmental regulators continue reviewing the project. Oklahoma Primary Aluminum submitted a corrected version of its air quality construction permit application to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality on Sept. 3.
Farm and bakery stands are popping up along roadsides across Green Country
GREEN COUNTRY, Okla. — From the country roads north of Claremore to neighborhoods in south Tulsa and Bixby, front-yard farm and bakery stands are becoming increasingly common across Green Country. A search on Facebook and TikTok turns up hundreds of stands selling fresh eggs, locally grown produce, plants, cookies, breads, cake pops and other homemade products.
Tulsa emergency managers urge families to prepare backup plans before disaster strikes
TULSA, Okla. — Emergency management teams across Tulsa County have put their response plans into action multiple times in recent weeks. Now, during National Preparedness Month, officials are urging families to make sure they have emergency plans of their own. Tulsa County Emergency Management Director Bill Smiley said recent responses have included an incident in Glenpool and the landfill fire near Highway 75.
Sand Springs police issue warrant for man accused in deadly facility explosion
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Sand Springs Police have issued a warrant for the person they believe is responsible for a deadly explosion at a Sand Springs marijuana facility that resulted in the deaths of two people. Authorities are looking for Ryan Bassham . Anonymous sources who knew Bassham verified the following pictures as Ryan Bassham with Tulsa's News Pulse.
Sand Springs Police issue warrant for man accused in deadly facility explosion
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Sand Springs Police have issued a warrant for the person they believe is responsible for a deadly explosion at a Sand Springs marijuana facility that resulted in the deaths of two people. Authorities are looking for Ryan Bassham. Anonymous sources who knew Bassham verified the following pictures as Ryan Bassham with Tulsa's News Pulse.
Sand Springs Police issue warrant for man accused in deadly facility explosion
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Sand Springs Police have issued a warrant for the person they believe is responsible for a deadly explosion at a Sand Springs marijuana facility that resulted in the deaths of two people. Authorities are looking for Ryan Bassham. Anonymous sources who knew Bassham verified the following pictures as Ryan Bassham with FOX23.
Lawsuit over proposed Google data center raises property rights fight in Sand Springs
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — A legal battle surrounding a proposed Google data center north of Sand Springs is raising a larger question about property rights: Can someone buy land without acquiring all of the rights to develop it? Tulsa nonprofit Land Legacy said that's exactly what happened with hundreds of acres included in the proposed data center site. Land Legacy holds a conservation easement covering approximately 270 acres of property.
Inola aluminum smelter developer answers questions about fluoride, environment safegaurds
INOLA, Okla. — For months, FOX23 has been asking questions about the proposed multi-billion dollar aluminum smelter at the Tulsa Port of Inola that have been raised by farmers, ranchers, state lawmakers and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. This week, FOX23 took many of those questions directly to one of the people leading the project.
Salvation Army helps Tulsa families pay utility bills as extreme heat increases demand
TULSA, Okla. — As extreme heat puts additional pressure on families trying to keep their homes cool, the Salvation Army said more people are turning to its Tulsa Center of Hope for help paying utility bills. The organization typically receives more than 70 requests for utility assistance each month, according to Center of Hope Executive Director Brent McQuarters. He said the need has grown since summer hit.
Sapulpa students return to class amid new high school construction, parking changes
SAPULPA, Okla. — SAPULPA, Okla. — Sapulpa Public Schools welcomed students back to class Thursday while crews continued building the district’s new high school in the middle of an active campus shared with multiple schools. Superintendent Dr. Rob Armstrong said the district was excited for the first day but closely monitoring traffic and construction around Sapulpa High School. “Not only is the high school here, we have our junior high and our elementary school right next door,” Armstrong said.
FOX23 talks with Sapulpa Superintendent about first day back to school
by Devyn Lyon Thu, August 20, 2026 at 8:24 AM Updated Thu, August 20, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Bixby students return with new safety training as district plans February bond proposal
BIXBY, Okla. — Thousands of Bixby Public Schools students returned to class Wednesday as the district began a new year with additional recess, continued cellphone restrictions and a standardized system for responding to emergencies. Superintendent Lydia Wilson said employees spent the summer working to create greater consistency across the district. “I think it’s going to be a fabulous year,” Wilson said. “Our team has worked all summer to unite our efforts, and it’s paying off.
FOX23 chats with Bixby Superintendent Lydia Wilson about the first day of school
An Ohio man was accused of attacking a family -- including a 9-year-old child -- after he and his girlfriend got into an argument aboard a cruise ship. Construction along the Highway 169 corridor through Owasso is finally wrapping up, with all three northbound lanes now open to drivers. A Tulsa family said a dispute between their home insurance company and a restoration company has left them with an empty house.
Which would you rather forget for the first day of school?
An Ohio man was accused of attacking a family -- including a 9-year-old child -- after he and his girlfriend got into an argument aboard a cruise ship. Construction along the Highway 169 corridor through Owasso is finally wrapping up, with all three northbound lanes now open to drivers.
Oklahoma Primary Aluminum responds to Inola rancher's Kentucky testing
INOLA, Okla. — The company behind the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola is responding to KTUL's reporting on environmental samples collected by a local rancher near an aluminum plant in Kentucky, questioning how those samples were collected and rejecting any conclusions connecting the results to aluminum production. Oklahoma Primary Aluminum issued a formal response after KTUL reported on testing commissioned by Inola landowner and cattle rancher Carl Day.
Inola rancher tests grass near Kentucky aluminum smelter as concerns grow over OK project
INOLA, Okla. — An Inola rancher whose family has raised cattle in the area for generations traveled to Kentucky to collect environmental samples near an aluminum smelter as he searches for answers about what a proposed $4 billion aluminum project could mean for his livelihood. Carl Day told KTUL his family has owned property around Inola for more than 100 years.
Owasso students return to class with new programs, expanded security measures
OWASSO, Okla. — Students returned to Owasso Public Schools Thursday for a new school year featuring expanded programs, updated technology policies and around $1 million in new security improvements. Owasso High School Principal Tiffani Cooper said the campus came back to life as students and teachers returned following the summer break. “We’re excited to get students back in the building,” Cooper said.
FOX23 talks with Owasso High School Principal Tiffani Cooper
by Devyn Lyon Thu, August 13, 2026 at 7:37 AM Updated Thu, August 13, 2026 at 7:45 AM
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