Oklahoma

The U.S. Justice Department has activated the long-dormant Alien Terrorist Removal Court, created in 1996 but never used, to seek deportation of Nazira Haji Zada, an Afghan legal permanent resident in Fort Worth, Texas. She is accused of supporting an ISIS-inspired plot, including a thwarted 2024 Election Day attack. Her son and son-in-law were convicted. Zada’s lawyers challenge the court’s constitutionality, citing due process concerns over classified evidence and a lower standard of proof. The case may reach the Supreme Court.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 5, 07:14 PM UTC

The U.S. Department of Energy has chosen Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential hosts for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, an initiative to store and reprocess spent nuclear fuel, support advanced reactor deployment, and expand domestic manufacturing. The project aims to attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs. The campuses would cover the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including enrichment, reprocessing, and final waste disposition, and may also host data centers. The selection addresses the long-standing U.S. problem of nuclear waste storage, as the country currently lacks a permanent disposal facility and stores over 95,000 metric tons of spent fuel across 79 sites. The initiative aligns with the Trump administration's goal to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy capacity to 400 GW by 2050.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:00 PM UTC

The Trump administration has initiated a new effort to address the long-standing issue of nuclear waste storage in the United States. The Department of Energy announced on Tuesday that it signed memorandums of agreement with five states—Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho—to explore the possibility of hosting nuclear waste storage facilities. This move marks a significant step in the administration's earlier indication this year to tackle the nuclear waste problem, which has been a major hurdle for the nuclear power industry. The agreements allow for preliminary discussions and feasibility studies, though no final decisions on storage locations have been made. The initiative aims to find alternative storage solutions as the nation's nuclear waste continues to accumulate at existing reactor sites.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:21 PM UTC

An Oklahoma social media influencer, identified as Sara Gilson, was killed in an apparent murder-suicide by her estranged husband, according to police. The incident occurred after Gilson publicly accused her husband of pedophilia on TikTok. Her ex-partner had reportedly begged her to break up with the husband before the murder. Owasso Police released a timeline linking the case to a federal child sex crime investigation. The husband is believed to have shot Gilson and then himself. The case has drawn significant media attention due to the influencer's online presence and the nature of the accusations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 03:37 PM UTC

The National Weather Service has forecast major and extreme heat risks for parts of the central United States through Monday, with roughly 70 million people affected. 'Hazardous heat' will build into the Great Basin and Northern Plains, with widespread major risks from the Rockies toward the Mississippi Valley and south to the Gulf Coast. States including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida face major heat risks, with isolated extreme risks. High temperatures will range from the upper 90s to lower 100s, with isolated areas in the Southwest reaching up to 120°F. Humidity could push heat indices to 105-115°F, posing health risks to those without adequate cooling or hydration. The NWS warns that temperatures could be deadly for those without air conditioning. The seasonal outlook for August through October calls for above-normal temperatures across much of the U.S., influenced by a developing El Niño pattern.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 09:18 PM UTC

Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) stock dropped nearly 15% over the trading week ending July 24, 2026, driven by investor fears over a widening cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to lettuce. The CDC and FDA issued multiple alerts, with the outbreak originating in central Mexico and affecting 1,947 people across nine U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. No cases have been reported at Sweetgreen locations, but as a salad-focused chain, the company is seen as vulnerable to consumer avoidance. The article notes that while no fatalities have occurred, 98 hospitalizations have been reported. The author advises caution, suggesting the stock may fall further due to potential revenue impacts from diners avoiding restaurants like Sweetgreen.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:44 PM UTC

A multistate Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants has sickened over 1,600 confirmed cases and thousands more suspected across the U.S., with Michigan hardest hit. The FDA traced contamination to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced from a single farm in Mexico. Taco Bell proactively removed the lettuce and switched suppliers. Federal lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence. The outbreak has affected 34 states since May, prompting a recall and highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.

34 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:30 AM UTC

The article reports a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services in Texas, prompting a recall of nearly 1.6 million shell eggs sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The eggs may be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis, causing symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, and fever. This follows a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce affecting over 12,000 people across 41 states, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE for cutting monitoring and response programs that previously prevented such outbreaks, raising concerns about food safety.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:47 PM UTC

Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million shell eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella enteritidis contamination, the FDA announced. The eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The recall comes amid a series of food safety crises, including a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce that has affected over 12,000 people across 41 states, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE program for cutting monitoring and response programs that previously prevented such outbreaks, raising concerns about the government's ability to handle food safety issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:47 PM UTC

The article reports a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from Midwest Poultry Services, which recalled nearly 1.6 million shell eggs produced in Texas due to potential Salmonella enteritidis contamination. The eggs were sold at Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. This follows a cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce that affected at least 41 states with over 12,000 possible cases, and a New World screwworm infestation in Texas cattle causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The article criticizes the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE for cutting monitoring programs and CDC response teams, linking these cuts to the recent food safety crises.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:47 PM UTC

PepsiCo announced it will close warehouse operations at its Pepsi Beverages production facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and shift duties to a new site in the area. Production at the current facility will continue. The closure will result in the permanent layoff of 184 warehouse employees, effective November 15, 2026, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice filed July 14. PepsiCo stated that all affected employees have been notified and are being provided information about other job openings at the Tulsa site or nearby facilities. The company also committed to assisting impacted workers with applications to the new logistics provider, pay and benefits continuation based on years of service, transition assistance, and career support. The move reflects ongoing supply chain optimization by the beverage giant.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:17 AM UTC

A WalletHub study ranked US state public school systems using 32 metrics across quality (80% of score) and safety (20% of score). Massachusetts leads the ranking, while New Mexico ranks last. The study evaluated factors including graduation rates, standardized test scores, pupil-teacher ratios, drug use, bullying, school shootings, and disciplinary incidents. Data sources included the US Census Bureau, Department of Education, and CDC. The article provides a detailed state-by-state breakdown from worst (New Mexico) to best, highlighting specific weaknesses such as low test scores in New Mexico, high dropout rates in Alaska, and high bullying incidence in West Virginia. The analysis covers all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:59 PM UTC

The upcoming U.S. midterm elections will feature 26 ballot initiatives on taxation across 13 states, giving voters a direct say in tax policy. While California's proposed 'billionaire tax' (Prop. 40) has drawn the most attention, the majority of measures focus on rolling back property taxes, which affect homeowners' most valuable asset. States including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming have proposals to curb property tax expenditures through increased exemptions, new senior citizen exemptions, or outright prohibitions on state property taxes. Local officials, such as Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, warn that these cuts could severely reduce municipal budgets, leading to cuts in roads, libraries, parks, and public safety. The article highlights the tension between lowering personal tax burdens and maintaining local government revenue, framing the votes as a test of voter sentiment on government spending.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:15 PM UTC

USA Rare Earth has appointed Serra Verde CEO Thras Moraitis as its next chief executive officer, effective October 1, succeeding Barbara Humpton who will retire after leading the company's transformation into an integrated rare earths platform. Moraitis will serve as president of the combined company following the anticipated completion of the Serra Verde acquisition by the end of August. Current board chairman Michael Blitzer has been named executive chairman. The leadership change comes as USA Rare Earth advances its strategy to build a Western 'mine-to-magnet' supply chain for rare earth elements, aiming to reduce dependence on China. The company's assets include the Round Top deposit in Texas, Less Common Metals in the UK, magnet manufacturing in Oklahoma, and the planned addition of Serra Verde's Brazilian mining operations. Moraitis previously served on Xstrata's executive committee and led Serra Verde since 2023, making it the only large-scale producer of four key magnetic rare earths outside Asia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:28 PM UTC

At the 2026 Farnborough Airshow in London, Lockheed Martin introduced the Morfius X-Rotor, a ground-launched, recoverable counter-drone system using high-power microwave (HPM) technology to neutralize over 50 enemy drones per flight. Designed for low cost per kill and reusability, it integrates with any command-and-control system. The company is accelerating prototype production for frontline troops after successful tests in Arizona, California, and Oklahoma, aligning with U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on expensive interceptors against drone swarms.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:00 AM UTC

Business Insider reports that US national average gas prices have surged above $4 per gallon, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions including US-Israeli bombing of Iran and Iranian retaliation on Middle East oil refineries, as well as blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. Prices rose from $2.98 in late February to over $4 by March 31, peaked above $4.50 in mid-May, cooled to around $3.70, then jumped again over $4 in the past week. West Coast and non-continental states (California, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Nevada) have the highest prices, while central states like Oklahoma and Kansas have the lowest. Analysts also cite Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, seasonal fuel blend changes, and Midwest refinery outages as contributing factors. Despite the US being the world's largest oil producer, global oil trading dynamics keep prices elevated.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:09 PM UTC

This comprehensive guide explains the concept of mineral rights in the United States, focusing on oil and gas. It details how land ownership is split into surface and mineral estates, with severance common in states like Texas and Oklahoma. The article outlines three common paths to ownership: inheritance, direct purchase, and retained ownership. It warns against scams such as lowball mail offers and fraudulent deeds, and provides guidance on valuation, tax advantages under 2026 estate tax rules, and key lease terms like bonus, royalty, and Pugh clause. The guide emphasizes that owning surface land does not guarantee mineral rights and advises consulting an attorney or title company to verify ownership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:00 PM UTC

This article from Yahoo Finance provides a comprehensive guide to mineral rights in the United States, explaining the distinction between surface and mineral estates, how severance works, and the legal dominance of mineral rights in oil-producing states like Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. It outlines common paths to ownership (inheritance, purchase, retained rights), the leasing process, valuation factors, and potential scams targeting uninformed owners. The guide emphasizes that surface ownership does not guarantee mineral ownership and advises consulting attorneys or title companies to verify rights. It is intended for individuals who inherited mineral rights, received unsolicited offers, or are buying land.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:00 PM UTC

This article from Yahoo Finance provides a comprehensive guide to mineral rights in the United States, explaining the distinction between surface and mineral estates, the concept of severance, and how ownership typically arises through inheritance, purchase, or retention. It highlights that mineral rights are often separated from surface rights, especially in oil-rich states like Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, and that the mineral estate is legally dominant, granting access for extraction. The guide also warns about common scams and the importance of title searches to verify ownership. It serves as a reference for those who have inherited rights, received unsolicited offers, or are buying land.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 07:00 PM UTC

PepsiCo Beverages will permanently close its warehouse operations at a Tulsa, Oklahoma facility on November 15, 2026, resulting in 184 job cuts. The layoffs primarily affect warehouse workers, forklift operators, checkers, and inventory-control specialists. Production at the plant will continue, with warehouse operations shifting to a new facility operated by an unnamed logistics provider. PepsiCo stated it will assist affected employees with job applications, pay continuation, and career support. This follows other recent PepsiCo warehouse closures, including a Frito-Lay facility in California (248 jobs) and Orlando (46 jobs), as the company consolidates its U.S. distribution network. CEO Ramon Laguarta discussed the strategy during the July 9, 2026 earnings call, citing efforts to combine scale across warehouses and delivery routes. PepsiCo's stock is down approximately 4% year-to-date.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 04:03 PM UTC

PepsiCo Beverages will permanently close its warehouse operations at a Tulsa, Oklahoma facility on November 15, 2026, resulting in 184 job cuts. The layoffs primarily affect warehouse workers, forklift operators, checkers, and inventory-control specialists. Production at the same facility will continue uninterrupted. The closure is part of a broader restructuring of PepsiCo's US distribution network, following similar moves including a Frito-Lay warehouse closure in California (248 jobs) and an Orlando facility shutdown (454 jobs). PepsiCo stated it is shifting warehouse operations to a new Tulsa-area facility operated by a third-party logistics provider, and is offering affected employees transition assistance, pay continuation, and help applying for jobs with the new provider. The company's stock is down 4% year-to-date as of the article's publication.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 04:03 PM UTC

In late April 2026, the Jackson–Madison County School System Board in Tennessee approved a charter for Union Academy, a faith-based Christian college preparatory school. This decision could become a landmark Supreme Court case on religion and public education, as religious charter schools are currently prohibited nationwide. The charter was solicited by the local superintendent from Union University, a private Christian college, and approved by the elected school board. The school's application explicitly states it will be Christ-centered, with religious values at the core of its program, and seeks waivers from state laws prohibiting religious exercise in publicly supported schools. No legal challenge has been filed yet, but advocacy groups are expected to intervene. An earlier Oklahoma challenge reached the Supreme Court but resulted in a 4-4 tie, leaving the ban intact.

1 reports · 1 sources

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing significant challenges in establishing a functional working relationship with Senator Rand Paul, the Republican chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. According to reports, personal tensions stemming from a 2017 incident where Mullin allegedly commented on an assault against Paul continue to hinder productive engagement between the two. During Mullin's confirmation hearing in March, Paul cited these past remarks and Mullin's perceived anger issues as reasons for his opposition, casting the sole Republican vote against Mullin's confirmation. Fellow Republican Senator Rick Scott emphasized the necessity of a positive professional relationship for effective governance. The discord is reportedly limiting legislative cooperation and has coincided with reports that Mullin is being sidelined within the White House. Mullin, who replaced Kristi Noem following her ouster over controversial fatal shootings in Minneapolis, assumed the role of the 9th DHS Secretary after a narrow 54-45 Senate vote. The ongoing friction highlights internal GOP divisions and potential obstacles for the DHS agenda under the current administration.

1 reports · 1 sources

The University of Michigan softball team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Kansas in the bottom of the eighth inning during their first NCAA Tournament game in the Oklahoma regional. The loss, resulting from an extra-inning pitchers' duel, places the Wolverines (34-21) in a must-win situation. To advance to Sunday’s regional final, Michigan must win two games on Saturday. They are scheduled to face Binghamton at 5:30 p.m., with the winner advancing to play the loser of the Oklahoma-Kansas matchup at 8 p.m. Oklahoma, the No. 3 overall seed, previously defeated Binghamton 11-0. Michigan pitcher Gabby Ellis delivered a strong performance, allowing only one run over 7.1 innings, but the offense struggled, leaving seven runners on base. This loss contrasts with their earlier season victory over Kansas in February. The article highlights key plays, including Hailey Cripe’s walk and Ava Wallace’s decisive single, while noting the poor performance of Michigan’s middle lineup.

1 reports · 1 sources

The University of Kansas softball team secured a dramatic 1-0 victory against Michigan in the opener of the NCAA regional tournament held in Norman, Oklahoma. The game, which extended into extra innings, was decided in the bottom of the eighth when sophomore Ava Wallace delivered a walk-off single. Freshman pitcher Lila Partridge was instrumental in the win, throwing eight scoreless innings to keep the Wolverines at bay. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Jayhawks, who entered the tournament with a 36-19 record and are making their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2015 under coach Jennifer McFalls. Both teams managed six hits each, with Michigan's junior pitcher Gabby Ellis performing strongly through the first seven innings. Following this win, Kansas is scheduled to face Oklahoma on Saturday, May 16, after the Sooners defeated Binghamton in the other regional game. The loser of the Kansas-Oklahoma matchup will enter an elimination game later that day, while the winner advances toward Sunday's potential regional championship match.

1 reports · 1 sources

The University of Iowa women's wrestling program has appointed Jenna Burkert as an assistant coach. Burkert steps into the role previously held by Tonya Verbeek, who recently accepted a position with USA Wrestling as a women’s freestyle assistant and resident coach. Burkert brings a distinguished competitive resume to the Hawkeyes, highlighted by a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships and status as a four-time World Team member. She was also the runner-up at the 2021 Olympic Trials in the 57-kilogram weight class and served as a soldier-athlete in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program from 2015 to 2024, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Prior to joining Iowa, Burkert built her coaching career at Bixby High School in Oklahoma. Starting as an associate head coach in 2024, she was promoted to head coach, leading the nationally ranked No. 2 team and mentoring six individual state champions. Her final competitive appearance as an athlete was at the 2022 World Cup in Coralville, Iowa. This hire strengthens Iowa's coaching staff with a blend of elite international competition experience and recent successful high-level coaching achievements.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Washington Huskies have secured a position among the top six finalists for Jalanie George, a highly touted five-star edge rusher in the 2028 recruiting class. George, a standout from Desert Edge High School in Arizona, is ranked as the number six player nationally and the second-best edge rusher by the 247Sports Composite. He recently narrowed his list of 33 offers down to six prestigious programs: Washington, Auburn, Florida, Miami, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. The decision follows an impressive unofficial visit to Seattle in March for Washington's Junior Day, where George praised the culture and vision established by head coach Jedd Fisch and his staff since their move to the Big Ten. Defensive line coach Jason Kaufusi has been instrumental in building a strong relationship with George, aiming to develop a recruiting pipeline in Arizona. Evaluators note George's productive front-line defense, instinctive run-stopping ability, and potential as an early impact player. The Huskies are expected to host him for another unofficial visit in the fall to experience game-day atmosphere as they continue their pursuit of this elite defensive prospect.

1 reports · 1 sources

According to a recent report by AL.com, the University of Texas received approximately $167.8 million in athletic donations during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This figure places Texas significantly ahead of other major collegiate athletic programs, surpassing the second-ranked Tennessee by more than $50 million. The donation total also exceeds that of rival Oklahoma by roughly $70 million and outpaces Texas A&M by over $110 million for the same period. The article highlights the substantial financial lead Texas holds in collegiate athletic fundraising. While the primary focus is on these financial metrics, the text also includes brief updates on Texas baseball and softball teams, as well as recruiting news for football. The report underscores the dominant position of the Texas Longhorns in generating private support for their athletic department, reflecting strong donor engagement compared to peers in the SEC and Big 12 conferences. This financial advantage provides significant resources for facility upgrades, coaching salaries, and student-athlete support services.

1 reports · 1 sources

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus shared an anecdote about a surprising source of motivation following his rare missed cut at the 1988 PGA Championship in Oklahoma. At age 48, Nicklaus finished nine-over-par after the second round, missing the cut by seven shots. Due to his broadcasting duties with ABC Sports, he was required to remain at the tournament for the weekend. During this time, his wife Barbara took their son Michael to McDonald's, where they received a souvenir Happy Meal glass featuring Peanuts characters. The next morning, Nicklaus discovered an inscription on the glass that read, "There's no excuse for not being properly prepared." This message resonated deeply with Nicklaus, who was known for arriving at major tournaments ten days early to prepare meticulously. He has since used this story to emphasize the importance of preparation to other golfers, including Rory McIlroy. Today, an exact replica of that specific glass is displayed in a cabinet at Nicklaus's home in North Palm Beach, serving as a permanent reminder of the lesson learned during a professional setback.

1 reports · 1 sources

MLB Pipeline's docuseries "Grass Routes," hosted by Jonathan Mayo, releases its second episode of Season 2 on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, focusing on Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Tulsa Drillers, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The episode explores the local community's connection to baseball, featuring visits to iconic local spots such as the Dilly Diner in the Blue Dome District and the historic Church Studio in the Pear District. Key highlights include interviews with Dodgers pitching prospects Carson Hobbs and Sean McLain, as well as a tour of the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center with the organization's top two prospects, Josue De Paula (MLB No. 9) and Zyhir Hope (MLB No. 20). The series aims to celebrate the unique atmosphere of Minor League cities. Future episodes are scheduled to cover Montgomery, Alabama, featuring the Rays' affiliate, and Rochester, New York, home to the Nationals' affiliate, airing on subsequent Sundays in May and June via MLB Network, MLB.com, and MLB.TV.

1 reports · 1 sources