Good morning, Oklahoma! Are you playing hooky today? It’s time for March Madness!

Sooners don’t play in the men’s tournament until Friday night, and the women play Saturday afternoon.

Weather Update ☀️

Today’s going to be a million, billion times nicer than yesterday.

The sun will shine.

The wind will chill out.

🌡️ Thursday high in OKC 61°
🌡️ Thursday high in Tulsa 58°

1️⃣ Report: Stitt, Pinnell both out of state during wildfire crisis; Paxton acting governor

By Erin Christy, 2 News Oklahoma
Click here to read the story.

TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton is acting governor.

Paxton’s office confirmed that he's aware that he's in charge of the state this week and multiple sources confirm Gov. Kevin Stitt is out of state.

2 News called and emailed the governor's office several times to confirm if he is in the state. We did not get an answer by this story's deadline.

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell’s office confirmed to 2 News that he is out of state on non-work-related travel.

Click here to finish reading the story.

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2️⃣ Oklahoma wildfires prompt price gouging concerns

By Kilee Thomas, KOCO
Click here to read the story.

OKLAHOMA CITY —

Wildfires in Oklahoma have forced hundreds of families to evacuate, raising concerns about price gouging at hotels and Airbnbs.

One person posted on social media that they were charged $175 for a night in a hotel in Guthrie, while another person said they were charged $240 a night for a room. Another person said they paid $330 for one night, all at hotels they claim usually cost much less.

Click here to read what Attorney General Gentner Drummond said.

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3️⃣ Wendell Grissom will be first Oklahoman executed in 2025

By Sierra Pfeifer, KOSU
Click here to read the story.
Donate to KOSU.

Wendell Grissom is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Thursday morning at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Grissom’s death will mark the first execution performed by the state in 2025.

Grissom, 56, has been on Oklahoma’s death row since he was charged with murder in 2008. At trial, he was convicted of first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill, grand larceny and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

During a home invasion in Blaine County, Grissom entered Dreu Kopf’s home, injuring her and killing her friend, Amber Matthews, who was there helping take care of Kopf’s two young children. Grissom fatally shot Matthews and fired and hit Kopf multiple times.

Kopf said she begged Grissom to take what he wanted and leave, according to court documents.

Grissom’s accomplice, a hitchhiker named Jessie Johns, is serving life in prison without parole.

Click here to finish the story.

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Oklahoma News Headlines 📰

• OHP searching for trailer driver after tire kills driver on I-35 (News 9)

• Trump 'breaks things' but also gets things done, Lankford tells Owasso audience (Tulsa World)

• More money, more school days? Senate passes bill to 'catch Oklahoma up' in common ed (Tulsa World)

• 5 things to know about The Frontier’s reporting on prison sexual abuse (The Frontier)

• OKC police officer resigns after controversial use of force in 2024 traffic stop (News 9)

• Long-time city employee Brent Bryant named OKC's assistant city manager (The Oklahoman)

• Crime of ‘impermissible occupation’ now enforceable in Oklahoma, feds say (Oklahoma Voice)

• Firefighters battle wildfire in southeast Pawnee County, evacuation order lifted (Fox 23)

• Resource center opens in Mannford for Green Country wildfire victims (News On 6)

• Norman family narrowly escapes burning home in raging wildfires (KFOR)

• Wildfires, dust storms impacting Oklahomans health (KFOR)

• Lawton man jailed for stabbing, mayhem (Lawton Constitution)

• Thousands apply for popular Cherokee heirloom seeds (Cherokee Phoenix)

• Black Futures Hackathon empowers Tulsa’s youth in tech (Black Wall Street Times)

• One man behind bars after 2-hour stand-off in Durant (KTEN)

• Ada City Manager Tracy Roles placed on administrative leave (Ada News)

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SPORTS 🏀⚾🥎🏈

Week 6 OU Softball Report: Patty Gasso has found her ace in Sam Landry

🚨🚨 3 Oklahoma pitchers combine for a no-hitter as the No. 1 softball team in the country beat East Texas A&M 8-0 on Wednesday night. (SoonerSports)

By Clay Horning
Click to read the full column.
And click here to subscribe to Clay’s Substack.

The story is Sam Landry.

Two weekends ago, she did not pitch against South Carolina, and the Sooners gave up nine runs in each of their first two games against the Gamecocks, remaining unbeaten only because they scored 10 each time.

This past weekend, Landry was back in the circle, and all she did was toss 11 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up five hits and striking out 10 against three walks and one hit batsman.

She saw action in all three contests, throwing a complete game three-hitter in the series opener, before coming on in relief to collect two extended saves in the next two games after her staff mates struggled.

Because of her, and some big and timely hitting, too, top-ranked Oklahoma remains unbeaten entering the third week of Southeastern Conference play, a week that begins with a Wednesday night home game against East Texas A&M, before the Sooners travel to Missouri, one of the few unranked teams in OU’s new conference.

Click to finish Clay’s column on OU softball.

Thunder Roll Past 76ers, Lock Up Northwest Division Title

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Thunder left no doubt on Wednesday night, steamrolling the Philadelphia 76ers 133-100 at the Paycom Center to officially clinch the Northwest Division title. Despite missing several starters, OKC dominated from the start, showcasing their depth and reinforcing their status as one of the league’s top teams.

Aaron Wiggins led the way with 26 points, while Jaylin Williams turned in a career night with a triple-double—tallying 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists. Isaiah Joe poured in 21 points, and Chet Holmgren added 19 as the Thunder picked up their fourth straight win.

Oklahoma City wasted no time jumping ahead, racing out to a 10-0 start and torching the 76ers’ defense with 42 first-quarter points. By halftime, OKC had built a commanding 77-47 lead, fueled by efficient shooting and unselfish ball movement.

The 76ers, who were also dealing with injuries, leaned on Quentin Grimes, who finished with a game-high 28 points. Justin Edwards added 19, while Chuma Okeke contributed 14 points and 15 rebounds off the bench, but the Sixers never seriously threatened after the first quarter.

Now 57-12, the Thunder sit atop the Western Conference standings and continue their push for the league’s best record.

More Sports Coverage 👀

• Printable men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament brackets (Yahoo!)

• Porter Moser to Villanova would be windfall for OU basketball | Berry Tramel's ScissorTales (Tulsa World)

• 3 takeaways: Brayden Smith's four hits spark OSU offense in win against North Dakota State (The O’Colly)

• Oklahoma State golf finishes third in Pauma Valley Invitational (The O’Colly)

• ORU clobbered by Arkansas in mid-week tilt 16-0 (ORU Athletics)

• Golden Hurricane Sweeps Midweek Doubleheader with Western Carolina (Tulsa Athletics)

• Match Recap: FC Tulsa advance in the U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 victory over Tulsa Athletic (FC Tulsa)

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