Oklahoma kicks off early in-person voting as the 2024 election gains momentum. This article provides a comprehensive guide to voting in Oklahoma, including registration deadlines, absentee voting procedures, and key dates. It also explores national trends and political analysis surrounding the upcoming election.
Canoo Inc. (GOEV), the innovative electric vehicle company, has received approval for its Oklahoma City facility to become the first Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) in the state. This designation will provide significant benefits for Canoo, including reduced taxes and fees, streamlined logistics, and enhanced competitiveness in the global market. The FTZ will further solidify Canoo’s manufacturing presence in Oklahoma and support its ambitious growth plans for its lineup of electric lifestyle vehicles.
A high school assignment in Oklahoma has sparked outrage on social media after students were asked to write a research paper exploring deep philosophical and religious questions, including the existence of God and Satan. Critics argue that the assignment violates the separation of church and state and forces students to disclose personal beliefs.
Former Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe, a Republican who served as the state’s longest-serving senator from 1994 to 2023, passed away peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 89. Inhofe, who was known for his strong support of the military and his conservative views, had been battling a sudden and unexpected illness since around the Fourth of July holiday. His death was confirmed by Fox News.
Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education, Ryan Walters, has announced a plan to incorporate the Bible into school curriculum for grades 5-12, sparking controversy and backlash. He argues that the Bible is essential for understanding American history and Western civilization, while critics claim it violates the separation of church and state.
Oklahoma has become the first state to mandate Bible instruction in public schools, sparking debate over its educational purpose and potential infringement on religious freedom. Superintendent Ryan Walters claims the move aims to educate students about the Bible’s historical influence on American history, while critics argue it promotes a specific religious viewpoint.
Hemant Mistry, a 59-year-old Indian American motel manager, died after being assaulted by a stranger in Oklahoma. The assailant, Richard Lewis, has been arrested. Mistry was punched in the face after asking Lewis to leave the property. The incident has sparked reactions on social media, with some users expressing outrage and others discussing the need for intervention in such situations.
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., successfully defended his seat in the House of Representatives, securing a victory in the Republican primary. Cole, who chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee, fended off a challenge from political outsider Paul Bondar, a businessman who poured millions of his own dollars into the race. Cole’s victory sets him on track for his 12th term in Congress.
Rep. Kevin Hern, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has won the Republican primary in Oklahoma’s First Congressional District, setting up a November race against either Evelyn Rogers or Dennis Baker. Hern, who has held the seat for six years, faced off against Paul Royse, who ran on a platform that was “against Trump.” Hern raised nearly $1.6 million, while Royse did not file any campaign finance disclosures.
Powerful storms have wreaked havoc across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, claiming the lives of 15 people, including two children, and leaving thousands without power. A tornado tore through Cooke County, Texas, leaving a trail of destruction and killing seven people, including two young children and three family members. In Oklahoma, guests at an outdoor wedding were injured as storms caused widespread damage, while in Arkansas, at least five people have been confirmed dead, including a 26-year-old woman found outside a destroyed home. Kentucky has also reported one fatality as the storms continue to impact the region. The storms have caused extensive property damage, flipping mobile homes and knocking down trees and power lines. Over 470,000 people are without electricity, with search and rescue efforts ongoing in affected areas.
