Oklahoma
Oklahoma Receives First Three Made-In-State EVs – NGT News
The state of Oklahoma has received its first three made-in-Oklahoma electric vehicles from Canoo as an innovative part of the state’s ongoing fleet modernization initiative.
At a combined cost of $119,850, these three Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) are the first of their kind in the state fleet, with one each assigned to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections.
“For the first time in 17 years, vehicle manufacturing is back in Oklahoma,” says Oklahoma Gov. J. Kevin Stitt. “As we find new efficiencies within the fleet, Canoo’s new Oklahoma-made electric vehicles align perfectly with our fleet modernization goals, and I couldn’t be more excited to see them on the roads. I’m grateful for the team at OMES (the Office of Management and Enterprise Services) who are working hard to deliver taxpayers more for their money while finding ambitious new ways to improve our fleet.”
Fleet modernization is one of the governor’s current top initiatives to realize efficiencies statewide. Following his executive order, the OMES Fleet Management has worked closely with agencies to identify underutilized vehicles, downsize the state’s overall fleet and explore ways to advance central fleet operations. In 2023 alone, agencies have voluntarily turned in a total of 917 vehicles that have been auctioned through State Surplus, saving Oklahoma taxpayers an estimated $11.7 million.
While pushing hard to reduce waste, executive leaders have also sought ways to modernize vehicles within the fleet to drive better value and long-term returns on investment. One of these modernizations includes replacing outdated vehicles that are costly to maintain with environmentally friendly electric vehicles made in Oklahoma.
“Oklahoma is hub for the creation of new and innovative technologies, and Canoo is a global leader in electric vehicle development,” adds Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, secretary of Workforce and Economic Development. “Beyond innovation, Canoo is creating over 1,300 jobs in Oklahoma, marking a significant economic impact for the state. I look forward to our continued partnership and am excited to welcome these new vehicles to the state.”
The LDVs delivered to Oklahoma are the first commercial motor vehicles built in-state since 2006 and the first to come out of Canoo’s new assembly facility in Oklahoma City. Paired with the company’s battery module manufacturing plant in Pryor, Okla., Canoo is establishing roots in the “Sooner State,” opening the door for greater economic development and employment opportunities for Oklahomans.
“Canoo is proud to bring motor vehicle manufacturing back to Oklahoma and create high-paying jobs,” says Tony Aquila, investor, chairman and CEO of Canoo. “Our innovative LDV 130 delivery vehicles will work for Oklahomans and help state agencies improve fleet efficiency. Our vehicles are perfect for how the state uses vehicles today, and our advanced telematics and lower overall cost of ownership will continue to pay dividends down the road.”
As the three Canoo LDVs are integrated into the government fleet pool, state leaders will continue to evaluate how the vehicles can best support agency missions and citizen services going forward.
Oklahoma
Local film society plans 3-night retrospective for Oklahoma director
Oklahoma has served as a backdrop for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. The state has seen its fair share of talent from Sylvester Stallone to Martin Scorsese, but one accomplished filmmaker has roots right here in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City filmmaker Mickey Reece has directed dozens of shorts and feature films, receiving acclaim at festivals across the world. River Lunsford of the Oklahoma Film Exchange says Reece hasn’t forgotten his origins in the heartland.
“He is always…pushing the artistic boundaries of what film can be,” Lunsford said. “Always staying true to that local filmmaker vision…never forgetting where he’s come from.”
Lunsford said that Reece has received retrospectives in New York and Los Angeles, but never in his home state. The Oklahoma Film Exchange wanted to change that.
“A couple of us have either worked with Mickey or are really good friends with him,” Lunsford said. “He has a filmography of over 30 films, and this is the first time he’s ever had a retrospective in Oklahoma City. Just no one has seemingly given him the opportunity…so we’re really excited to be able to do that.”
Lunsford and the team at the Oklahoma Film Exchange aim to boost the city’s film community with regular screenings and discussions. When Reece showed up to a recent screening, they knew he would be an ideal choice for a retrospective.
“He came out to one of our screenings a couple weeks ago,” Lunsford said. “We always try to host or moderate post-screening discussions where people can share their thoughts. And he was certainly an active voice. Just him being in that space, like, interacting in the ways that we have set that space up to be, it’s perfect. It’s the perfect match.”
The Mickey Reece retrospective is a part of The Oklahoma Film Exchange’s ongoing fundraising campaign, “Keep Film on Film Row.” This project aims to preserve the iconic Film Row screening room (which has been renamed the Oklahoma Film Exchange).
This space was established over a century ago to distribute film reels. The Oklahoma Film Exchange is the last film exchange left in the country.
Lunsford said events like the Mickey Reece retrospective help raise awareness about this important cultural cornerstone. “This is a serious project for us to keep this very important piece of history and art in the city operational, and keep it as it has been for 100 years,” Lunsford said. “(The fundraiser) is going to continue in perpetuity…until Film Row has been saved…and we can 100% guarantee its longevity.”
The retrospective will run from January 15 to 17 at the Oklahoma Film Exchange. Lunsford encouraged Oklahoma City residents to get out of the house and celebrate a local artist in person.
“I think there’s a little something for everybody in this retrospective,” Lunsford said. “This is a really big opportunity for us to celebrate this local filmmaker and build these roots in the community.”
Oklahoma
Oklahoma football loses LB to UCLA in transfer portal
Oklahoma football has lost a key defensive presence, as linebacker Sammy Omosigho has officially committed to UCLA through the College Football Transfer Portal. The move represents a notable offseason development for the Sooners while providing UCLA with an experienced addition ahead of the 2026 season.
The Sooners had hoped to retain the veteran linebacker’s presence heading into a pivotal year, but he instead opted for a fresh opportunity on the West Coast with the Bruins.
The Bruins, eager to strengthen their front seven, saw Omosigho as an ideal fit due to his versatility, leadership, and proven track record against top-tier offenses in the SEC.
UCLA sought defensive reinforcements following multiple transfers and NFL departures, and Omosigho’s arrival immediately strengthens the Bruins’ linebacker corps. He brings SEC playoff experience and consistent production, positioning himself as a key piece of the depth chart when spring practice arrives. His decision highlights the growing competitiveness of the transfer portal as major programs retool their rosters.
The transfer was first reported by On3Sports’ and Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett on X (formerly known as Twitter) confirming Omosigho’s move and noting his career production with the Sooners.
“BREAKING: Oklahoma transfer LB Sammy Omosigho has Committed to UCLA, his agent tells @On3Sports
He totaled 97 tackles, 4 PD, 2 sacks and 1 FF in his time with the Sooners”
Omosigho developed steadily during his time in Norman, earning a starting role in 2025 after contributing in rotation earlier in his career. He finished that season with 50 tackles, two sacks, and three pass breakups, emerging as one of Oklahoma’s most dependable defenders during its 10–3 run to the College Football Playoff. His ability to read offenses pre-snap and adjust on the fly made him a vital communicator in Oklahoma’s defense.
His departure marks a turning point for both programs—Oklahoma must fill a key void, while UCLA gains a battle-tested leader. As transfer decisions increasingly reshape rosters, Omosigho’s move reflects the high-stakes nature of modern college football recruitment.
Oklahoma
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