Firefighters responded after an apartment complex caught fire Friday morning in northwest Oklahoma City, authorities say.

The Oklahoma City Fire Department says crews responded to the Retreat at Lakeside Apartments near Northwest 50th Street and North MacArthur Boulevard just before 4 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke coming from a first-floor apartment and discovered heavy fire in a bedroom located at the rear corner of the unit. Crews evacuated the remainder of the building as a precaution.

The fire was quickly knocked down and contained to the room of origin, which OKCFDS believed to be vacant.

Later, investigators said there was evidence indicating unauthorized individuals had recently been staying inside the unit. OKCFD says the apartment manager stated that individuals experiencing homelessness had previously been removed from the unit on multiple occasions.

No injuries were reported.

An Oscar-nominated documentary exposing violence inside prison walls is coming to Oklahoma City. Criminal justice reform advocates want to bring attention to Oklahoma’s prison system by showing the film locally.

The documentary “The Alabama Solution” will screen at the Yale Theater in southwest Oklahoma City at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. The film highlights the dangerous conditions inside Alabama prisons. Advocates say Oklahoma has the same issues.

Watching “The Alabama Project” was an eye-opening experience for J’Shawna Smith.

“I was like well obviously this stuff happens here in Oklahoma,” said Smith. “We’ve heard the same stories here.”

Smith works for the Julius Jones Institute, which was founded after Jones’ death sentence was commuted in Oklahoma by Governor Kevin Stitt shortly before his scheduled execution.

Smith wants the documentary screening to bring awareness to the community and state leaders.

“It exposes the things that are happening inside of our prisons,” said Smith.

There’s no one better to speak about the Oklahoma prison system than someone who has been part of it.

“I’ve never dealt with it firsthand, a guard taking a life or something like that,” said Jason Miller, a former prisoner. “But definitely watched them set it up and so it’s the same, you still got blood on your hands.”

Miller said he was incarcerated in Oklahoma starting at the age of 17. He believes shining a light on violence in prisons can save lives and hold state leaders accountable.

“It’s just hushed to where it would not be heard by society,” said Miller.

Advocates for criminal justice reform also want state leaders to put more resources towards mental health care in prisons.

A community discussion moderated by Senator Nikki Nice will be held after the documentary screening.

Oklahoma state schools Superintendent Lindel Fields announced the 10 finalists for the 2026 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding educators from across the state who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and service to their school communities.

The winner will be announced at the Teacher of the Year Gala in June.

“Oklahoma educators are second to none, and these 10 teachers represent the best of the best,” Fields said, per a press release. “I am incredibly proud of these educators. I hope all Oklahomans can join me in celebrating this accomplishment and expressing our support and appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to our students.”

The 10 finalists include four elementary school teachers, three middle school and three high school teachers.

Here are the 10 finalists for the award:

Kasey Bennett, Durant Public Schools

Bennett teaches STEM to kindergartners through fourth graders at Northwest Heights Elementary in Durant. She said one of her most meaningful accomplishments as a teacher was founding the school’s Science Fair/STEM Night.

“What makes this event truly meaningful is its commitment to inclusivity: every student, regardless of background, ability or learning style, has a place to shine,” Bennett said, according to OSDE.

Keely Flynn, Tulsa Public Schools

Flynn is a physical education teacher at Lindbergh Elementary in Tulsa. She said her favorite thing about teaching is the connections and community she’s built through movement and relationships.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built, but the moments that fuel me most aren’t awards; they’re the everyday reminders that students feel connected,” Flynn said, according to OSDE. “It’s a child counting down the days until their next P.E. class. It is when students are proudly sharing they chose water instead of juice, went on a walk with family, or tried a new food because we talked about balance.”

Tobi Gordon, Moore Public Schools

Gordon is a deaf education teacher for seventh- and eighth-graders at Brink Junior High School in Moore. She said she strives to create a learning environment where deaf students can not only succeed academically and linguistically, but also build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.