‘Oklahoma Memo’ is also now on Substack. Join us there for more timely, regular updates throughout the day.

Here is the Oklahoma journalism I’ve hand-picked for you this Friday:

• Former governor, senator, and OU President David Boren dies at 83.

• Criminal networks continue to thrive in Oklahoma’s marijuana industry.

• Oklahoma's plan to clean up abandoned oil wells is complicated by President Trump’s order.

Weather Update ☀️

Friday will still be cold, but Saturday begins a major warm-up that will last through next weekend. There is a chance of a storm during the first few days of March, but meteorologists are unsure if it will be the wintry kind ❄️ or the spring kind 🌩️.

🌡️ Fri./Sat./Sun. highs in OKC 31°, 51°, 62°
🌡️ Fri./Sat./Sun. highs in Tulsa 29°, 46°, 58°

1️⃣ Remembering David Boren (1941-2025)

The death of former Oklahoma governor and U.S. Senator David Boren dominated the state’s news on Thursday, but it was felt even more deeply on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, where Boren served as president for 24 years.

It should be no surprise then that the OU Daily dominated the coverage. They put together a special page with all of it.

See Also 👀

• State leaders honor former Gov. David Boren’s decades-long dedication to serving Oklahoma (Oklahoma Voice)

• Boren’s passing leaves strong, if complex, legacy (Norman Transcript, paywall)

• Gov. Stitt orders flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of David Boren (KOCO)

• Boren legacy marred by misconduct allegations (NonDoc)

2️⃣ Criminal networks continue to thrive in Oklahoma’s marijuana industry as lawmakers weigh new measures

Proposed laws target organized crime in the marijuana industry. Are they enough? Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced several bills this year to strengthen the state’s hand against bad actors in the marijuana industry.

Garrett Yalch with The Frontier has the story.

3️⃣ Trump's agenda complicates Oklahoma's plan to clean up abandoned oil and gas wells

As part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the state expected $102 million to augment its state funds and significantly increase abandoned well remediation. But an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 titled “Unleashing American Energy” halts the disbursement of unspent funds. The directive seeks to support the fossil fuel industry and discourage renewable energy policies and projects in the U.S.

Slowing the plugging industry in Oklahoma, which is fused with oil and gas producers, could be collateral damage should the funds be permanently withheld.

Chloe Bennett-Steele with StateImpact Oklahoma has the story.

Oklahoma News Headlines 📰

• OKANA Resort and Waterpark is about to open. What you need to know before you go. (KOCO)

• Oklahoma cabinet company owners face lawsuit over alleged fraud (News 9)

• OKC settles excessive force case for $70k (KFOR)

• 'Something I was concerned about': House committee backs bill to enhance tenant safety (Fox 25)

• Cherokee Nation invests $16M to bring advanced cancer care closer to home (Cherokee Phoenix)

• Water issues force Colbert schools to close (KTEN)

• No lawsuits for Chickasha leg lamp, EDC says (Chickasha News)

• Oklahoma’s own Gloria Twine Chisum revolutionized flight safety (Black Wall Street Times)

• Rep. Hern faces tough questions from constituents on federal cuts (News On 6)

• Sperry man arrested after allegedly letting 3 puppies freeze to death (Fox23)

Oil & Gas Headlines 🛢️

Trump's Agenda Impacts Oklahoma's Abandoned Well Cleanup
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission's efforts to plug over 20,000 abandoned oil and gas wells face uncertainty due to changes in federal policy. The state needs more than $574 million to address all abandoned wells, which pose environmental risks. (StateImpact Oklahoma)

Wind Farm Setback Bill Revived in Oklahoma House
Oklahoma House leaders introduced a revised wind farm setback bill (HB 2751) in the Utilities Committee, proposing quarter-mile property setbacks. This comes just a day after a similar, more restrictive bill failed to pass the Energy Committee. (NonDoc)

Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Geopolitical Tensions
West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.44% to settle at $72.57 a barrel, while Brent crude rose 0.58% to $76.48 a barrel. The increase is attributed to concerns about potential supply disruptions related to Russia and Ukraine (OK Energy Today)

Sports Headlines 🏀⚾

No. 1 Oklahoma Women's Gymnastics to Face No. 5 Florida and No. 24 North Carolina in Double Meet Weekend
The top-ranked Sooners are set for a challenging weekend, hosting No. 5 Florida on Friday and traveling to Fort Worth for the Metroplex Challenge against No. 24 North Carolina on Sunday. This comes after OU suffered its first loss of the season to No. 2 LSU last week. (SoonerSports)

No. 2 Oklahoma State Wrestling Prepares for Showdown with No. 3 Iowa
The undefeated Oklahoma State wrestling team (13-0) is set to face No. 3 Iowa on Sunday, February 23, in Iowa City. This historic rivalry pits the two most successful programs in college wrestling history against each other, with OSU seeking its first undefeated season since 2021 and its 48th overall. The dual will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. (OKState)

No. 20/25 Oklahoma Baseball Heads to Round Rock Classic for Top-10 Matchups
The Sooners baseball team is gearing up for their first road trip of the season, facing Minnesota, No. 7 Oregon State, and No. 2 Virginia at the Round Rock Classic in Texas. This tournament presents a significant opportunity for OU to secure top-10 wins early in the season. (SoonerSports)

Raegan Beers Explodes for Career-High 30 Points as No. 16 Oklahoma Women's Basketball Dominates Vanderbilt
In a high-scoring affair, the 16th-ranked Oklahoma women's basketball team defeated Vanderbilt 101-81, led by Raegan Beers' outstanding career-high 30-point performance. (The Telegraph)

Oklahoma Curling Club Defies Warm Weather, Practices on Ice
While most Oklahomans seek warmth, members of the Oklahoma Curling Club are embracing the cold, stepping out onto the ice to practice their unique sport. (News 9)

OU Men's Gymnastics Athletes Prepare for Winter Cup Competition
Several Oklahoma men's gymnasts are set to participate in the prestigious Winter Cup competition, showcasing their skills on a national stage. (SoonerSports)

Oral Roberts Women's Basketball Hosts North Dakota in Final Homestand
The ORU Golden Eagles (20-6, 10-3 Summit League) take on North Dakota at the Mabee Center in Tulsa as part of their final homestand of the season. With a win, ORU could secure its 11th season with 21 or more victories in program history. The game tips off at 7:00 PM CT and will be streamed on the Summit League Network. (ORU Athletics)

Oral Roberts Baseball Travels to Arizona State for Weekend Series
ORU baseball, a 2023 College World Series participant, heads to Phoenix to face Arizona State in a three-game series starting Friday, February 21. This marks an early-season test for the Golden Eagles against a strong Sun Devils squad. (TheSunDevils.com)

Oklahoma City Weekend Events: February 21-23, 2025

Dwight Yoakam's Cosmic Roundup & Rodeo Tour 2025 🎸 Country music legend Dwight Yoakam brings his tour to Oklahoma City! Join him at the Paycom Center on Friday, February 21, at 7:30 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 22, at 10 AM. More Info

Aaron Lewis Live at Showplace Theatre 🎤 Enjoy a live performance by Aaron Lewis at the Showplace Theatre at Riverwind Casino on Friday, February 21, at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase. More Info

Shen Yun Performing Arts 🎭 Experience classical Chinese dance and music at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at OCCC on Saturday, February 22, at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase. More Info

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 🏀 Catch the NBA action at the Paycom Center on Sunday, February 23, at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase. More Info

Crazy OKC Amazing Race & Tour 🚶‍♂️ Participate in a fun and adventurous race across Oklahoma City on Friday, February 21. The event starts at 100 E Main St. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. More Info

Tulsa Weekend Events: February 21-23, 2025

Rainbow Dance Competition 💃 Join the high-quality dance event at the Cox Business Convention Center from February 21-23. The competition features performers of various ages and talents. More Info

24 Seven Dance Convention 🕺 Participate in dance workshops and competitions at the Cox Business Convention Center from February 21-23. The event tours 27 cities in the U.S. each season. More Info

Dog Play Sunday at Gathering Place 🐕 Bring your furry friends to enjoy all walkways and grassy areas on Sunday, February 23. A perfect day out for dog lovers! More Info

Tulsa Farmers' Market 🥕 Visit the market on Saturday, February 22, from 8:00 AM to Noon at 1 S. Lewis Ave. Enjoy fresh produce and local goods. More Info

BOK Center Events 🎫 Check out various events happening throughout February at the BOK Center. Event times and details vary. More Info

🗣️ Story Tips, Ideas, Feedback

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My mission is to amplify quality journalism, rekindling the daily news habit!

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