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Gov. Stitt says Oklahoma could become “AI capital of the nation”

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Gov. Stitt says Oklahoma could become “AI capital of the nation”


Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt released the final recommendations from his task force on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies Tuesday.

The task force, according to the governor’s office, was created to help put Oklahoma in a leading position in “responsible and proactive” artificial intelligence implementation.

Governor Stitt indicated AI could replace some people working in government jobs.

“Oklahoma is poised to lead the nation in implementation of artificial intelligence technology, and we have to capitalize on the momentum. Oklahoma truly could be the AI capital of the nation,” said Governor Stitt. “AI also has the potential to help us steward taxpayer dollars in a more responsible way by cutting redundant positions and replacing some positions with AI technology. In Oklahoma, 21% of the workforce is employed by federal, state or local governments while the ideal percentage would be closer to 13%. Artificial intelligence creates possibilities for more efficient employment and government services.”

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Stitt’s office said the task force focused on two areas in which AI could be utilized; business and state agencies.

When it comes to business, the task force came up with the following goals:

  • Enhance Oklahoma’s economy through increased investment in AI infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and technological leadership.
  • Ensure AI is implemented ethically by emphasizing transparency, accountability and data protection.
  • Implement AI education across K-12 and higher education while investing in workforce retraining programs to prepare current and future generations for an AI-centric job market.
  • Support AI innovation by encouraging research and development, fostering new public-private partnerships, and aiding start-ups to make Oklahoma a hub for cutting-edge technological creativity.

As for state agencies, the task force came up with the following goals:

  • Create leadership positions within the state, such as establishing a chief artificial intelligence officer.
  • Establish an AI oversight committee that incorporates all three branches of government.
  • Establish an AI technology economic development task force to leverage Oklahoma’s AI infrastructure.
  • Establish an AI digital workforce task force to encourage the existing workforce to incorporate more digital employees.
  • Establish an AI technology talent task force to recruit more technologically skilled individuals to Oklahoma.

The governor’s office said the recommendations emphasize ethical guidelines for AI implementation, like as human oversight and proper data storage practices.

Read the report on AI in business here

Read the report on AI in state agencies here





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6 Oklahoma Sooners earn AP All-SEC Honors

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6 Oklahoma Sooners earn AP All-SEC Honors


The Oklahoma Sooners are readying themselves for the most crucial game of the season, and perhaps the Brent Venables era, when they host the Alabama Crimson Tide next Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff. After a 10-2 season, which included a 6-2 mark in SEC play, six Sooners were named to the AP All-SEC teams.

That comes after 10 Sooners earned 11 All-SEC Honors as voted on by the coaches, and kicker Tate Sandell was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.

Selected to the first team were Sandell, punter Grayson Miller, and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna.

Sandell has the highest field goal percentage in the conference and has made all seven field goal attempts of 50 yards or more.

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Miller is fourth in the nation, and first in the SEC, in punts downed inside the 20-yard line. Like Sandell, he’s been a special teams weapon for Brent Venables, helping Oklahoma win the field position battle in a number of their wins this season.

Sategna is tied for second in the SEC receptions with 65, yards with 948, and tied for fourth in the conference touchdowns. He’s been a big-play threat for the Sooners, especially in recent weeks. Sategna closed the season with back-to-back 100-yard days, giving him four on the season. He had more than 60 yards receiving in nine of Oklahoma’s last 10 games.

Earning second team honors for the Sooners were linebacker Owen Heinecke, defensive end R Mason Thomas, and defensive tackle Gracen Halton.

Thomas leads the Sooners with 6.5 sacks despite missing the final three games of the regular season, three and a half quarters vs. Tennessee (injury), and a half vs. Auburn (targeting suspension). He’s been a force each of the last two seasons, earning All-SEC second-team honors in 2024, and was a first-team selection as voted on by the league’s coaches this season.

Halton, like Thomas, was a member of Brent Venables first recruiting class in the 2022 cycle. He’s been awesome again this year, recording 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 31 total tackles. He’s been a force in the middle, making life difficult in the running game and providing an interior pass rush for the Sooners.

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Heinecke has been one of a number of breakout stars for Oklahoma as part of a great linebacker rotation. Heinecke is second on the team in total tackles and tackle for loss, behind only Kip Lewis, and has two sacks to his ledger as well. He’s come up big in key moments for Oklahoma, including the sack and forced fumble against Tennessee, which led to R Mason Thomas’ long touchdown return that changed the momentum of the game, and perhaps the season.

The Oklahoma Sooners have a talented roster and a number of players like Peyton Bowen, Kip Lewis, Eli Bowen, Courtland Guillory, Jaren Kanak, Febechi Nwaiwu, Taylor Wein, and David Stone who deserved inclusion on the All-SEC teams. Even still, six players and a host of players worthy of mention is a great thing for the Sooners as they get set to take on an Alabama Crimson Tide team that earned just three selections to the AP All-SEC teams.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.





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Person dies after jumping from bridge near I-40 and I-35 in Oklahoma City

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Person dies after jumping from bridge near I-40 and I-35 in Oklahoma City


OKLAHOMA CITY –

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) says a person died Tuesday after jumping from a bridge near the I-40 and I-35 interchange in Oklahoma City, prompting an ongoing law enforcement investigation.

Troopers say the response created traffic delays in the area as law enforcement worked the scene.

Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes until the scene is cleared, officials said.

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OHP says more information will be released as the investigation continues.





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Oklahoma Contemporary to host free ‘Polar Party’ event with winter activities

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Oklahoma Contemporary to host free ‘Polar Party’ event with winter activities


OKLAHOMA CITY –

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is inviting families, children and community members to participate in its monthly Second Saturday program.

Organizers say Second Saturday is a free afternoon of hands-on art-making and gallery exploration held on the second Saturday of each month.

Families can enjoy guided activities, family-friendly gallery chats and take-home art experiences designed for all ages. Materials are provided at no cost, and no advance registration is required.

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Periodically, the center expands the event into Second Saturday XL, which is a larger celebration featuring multiple art stations, performances and seasonal programming across the Oklahoma Contemporary campus.

The upcoming Second Saturday XL: Polar Party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. 5 p.m.

Guests can take part in winter-themed projects, including wreath making, cookie decorating and snow-globe crafting, along with music, treats and additional family activities throughout the center.

See the full lineup of activities here.

All programming is free and open to the public.

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