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Oklahoma

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Oklahoma polio survivor, final iron lung patient in the U.S., dies at 78
health10 hours ago

Oklahoma polio survivor, final iron lung patient in the U.S., dies at 78

Martha Lillard, who contracted polio at age 5 and spent much of her life in an iron lung, died in Shawnee, Oklahoma on June 26 at 78. She was the last U.S. polio patient to rely on the iron lung, defying doctors’ early predictions, and her sister says long-haul COVID-19 contributed to her death; the death certificate lists chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome as causes. Lillard led a mostly homebound life, but stayed connected online, even meeting her husband after years of online chats.

Final Iron Lung User Dies in Oklahoma at 78
health1 day ago

Final Iron Lung User Dies in Oklahoma at 78

Martha Lillard, the last known American to rely on an iron lung, died in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on June 26 at age 78. Contracting polio in 1953, she spent much of her life in the device, initially using it almost full-time, then only at night as she got healthier. She faced equipment failures and a power outage during an ice storm, and died after a battle with long-haul COVID-19. Lillard was active in her community and pursued creative arts, including painting and music for the left-hand piano.

Sooners Crown CWS Title with 13-2 Win Over Tar Heels
baseball18 days ago

Sooners Crown CWS Title with 13-2 Win Over Tar Heels

Oklahoma blew past UNC 13-2 in Game 3 to capture the national title, as UNC starter Jackson Rose (2.2 IP) allowed six hits and three runs before fragile relief from Walker McDuffie and Caden Glauber; eight walks, three wild pitches and a hit batter helped OU sustain constant baserunners and score in all innings except the first and seventh. UNC mounted a late, mostly single-hit offense (nine singles) but couldn’t string hits together, and a second-inning rally was negated when Carter French was thrown out at third. Ryan Lynch’s injury earlier in the series further depleted UNC’s pitching plan, and umpire decisions drew scrutiny in a tough title-game environment. The Tar Heels conclude the season at 54 wins with another deep run and will reload for 2027.

Deadly Midwest Tornado Outbreak Claims Two Lives
weather19 days ago

Deadly Midwest Tornado Outbreak Claims Two Lives

A swarm of tornadoes ripped across the Midwest, killing at least two people and damaging dozens of homes in Illinois and Indiana as severe storms continued to sweep the region; the outbreak included dozens of tornado reports across multiple states, with additional severe weather expected to push toward the mid-Atlantic on Monday.

Tar Heels Strike Back: Glauber Shuts Down Sooners as UNC Ties CWS 1-1
baseball19 days ago

Tar Heels Strike Back: Glauber Shuts Down Sooners as UNC Ties CWS 1-1

UNC defeated Oklahoma 6-2 in Game 2 of the College World Series final, as freshman Caden Glauber came on in relief to throw five shutout innings with eight strikeouts to help the Tar Heels tie the series at 1-1. The UNC defense and timely offense—led by Gavin Gallaher’s Gold Glove-caliber play and Cooper Nicholson’s multi-hit and productive at-bats, including a two-run homer—overcame an early two-run OU start. Scott Forbes’ leadership and strategic roster moves, plus sturdy bullpen work, kept UNC on track for a decisive Game 3.

Oklahoma Votes Down Plan to Raise Minimum Wage to $15
politics23 days ago

Oklahoma Votes Down Plan to Raise Minimum Wage to $15

Oklahoma voters rejected State Question 832, keeping the minimum wage at $7.25 an hour (unchanged since 2009) and blocking a plan that would have raised it to $12 next year and to $15 by 2029 with cost-of-living adjustments. Supporters argued higher wages were needed to cope with rising costs, while opponents, including the State Chamber, warned the change would raise prices and undercut economic momentum. Turnout and campaign dynamics were noted as factors in the outcome; Oklahoma still trails many states with higher minimum wages, while DC has the highest at $17.95.

Trump ally Lahmeyer exits Oklahoma congressional bid amid texting scandal
politics23 days ago

Trump ally Lahmeyer exits Oklahoma congressional bid amid texting scandal

Jackson Lahmeyer, founder of Pastors for Trump, has suspended his bid in Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District after a texting scandal, saying he doesn’t want to be a distraction for his family or his church. A Daily Mail report claimed he sent romantic messages to a woman who isn’t his wife; Lahmeyer acknowledged inappropriate behavior but said the matter was handled privately. Trump had endorsed Lahmeyer but on Wednesday backed his runoff opponent, Mark Tedford, leaving Tedford with a clearer path to the nomination.

Trump-backed Oklahoma candidate halts bid amid texting scandal
politics23 days ago

Trump-backed Oklahoma candidate halts bid amid texting scandal

Oklahoma Republican candidate Jackson Lahmeyer, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, suspended his bid after advancing to a runoff, saying he did not want to be a distraction amid questions about a former staffer’s relationship. Lahmeyer acknowledged crossing a boundary in text messages but disputed tabloid reporting, and Trump withdrew his endorsement, now backing Mark Tedford in the race.

Trump's Primary Playbook Delivers Mixed Results Across Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma
politics24 days ago

Trump's Primary Playbook Delivers Mixed Results Across Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma

Georgia: Trump-backed gubernatorial candidate Burt Jones lost to Rick Jackson, while his endorsement helped Rep. Mike Collins win the GOP Senate nomination to face Democrat Jon Ossoff. Alabama: Trump-endorsed Barry Moore won the GOP Senate runoff, advancing to the general election. Oklahoma: Trump-backed Mike Mazzei and Gov. hopeful Gentner Drummond advanced to a GOP runoff for governor; the winner will face Democrat Cyndi Munson, with Gov. Kevin Stitt having not endorsed in the race. Overall, the night shows Trump’s endorsements remain influential but not universally decisive in shaping GOP outcomes.

Trump-Backed Senate Wins Highlight Primary Night Across GA, AL, OK
politics24 days ago

Trump-Backed Senate Wins Highlight Primary Night Across GA, AL, OK

Trump-backed candidates notched several key results: Georgia’s Mike Collins won the GOP Senate runoff, Alabama’s Barry Moore captured the Senate nomination, and Oklahoma’s Kevin Hern led the Senate field with Trump’s endorsement; Burt Jones lost Georgia’s governor runoff to Rick Jackson (who will face Keisha Lance Bottoms in November); California’s Aisha Wahab advanced to the Aug. 18 runoff to replace Swalwell in Congress; Oklahoma also advanced Mazzei to a governor runoff with Drummond, while State Question 832 — a wage-hike measure — was rejected.

state-politics24 days ago

Oklahoma candidates push to rein in rising home-insurance costs

Amid surging homeowners’ insurance costs driven by extreme weather, four Republican candidates for Oklahoma’s insurance commissioner are campaigning on tighter scrutiny of insurers and rate hikes, signaling a shift from a traditionally hands-off regime as lawmakers respond with new transparency laws and hearings to determine market competitiveness; Democrats advocate lowering rates, while regulators prepare a September hearing to weigh how to balance consumer affordability with a competitive market ahead of the primary.

politics24 days ago

Oklahoma voters reject plan to lift minimum wage toward $15

Oklahoma voters rejected State Question 832, which would have raised the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2029 with annual increases and CPI-based adjustments after 2030. Opponents argued it would hurt job growth and raise prices; supporters said wages are too low amid inflation. Gov. Kevin Stitt and much of the GOP establishment opposed it. With about 93% of precincts reporting, roughly 56% voted against SQ 832, making it the sole statewide ballot item on Tuesday. Results are unofficial until certified by the state election board.