An Oklahoma highway could soon be named after the late country superstar, Toby Keith, pending new legislation.

House Concurrent Resolution 1019 would rename a proposed turnpike project the “Toby Keith Expressway.” This roadway is set to be built from Interstate 44 East to Interstate-35, continuing East and North to Interstate 40. This road is a part of the ACCESS Oklahoma Long-Range Plan, which is meant to update and expand the state’s turnpike system.

This resolution was adopted by the House on Wednesday.

“Toby Keith was more than a country music star. He was a proud Oklahoman who never forgot where he came from,” said Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore. “Naming this turnpike in his honor is a fitting way to recognize a man who represented our state with ultimate patriotism and generosity.”

Keith was born in Clinton, Oklahoma, raised in Moore and resided in Norman. He died on February 5, 2024, in a battle with cancer.

“Over the course of his legendary career, Toby Keith never forgot where he came from or what he stood for,” said Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman. “His Oklahoma roots shaped him, and his love of America defined him. He was a country music superstar and a true patriot. I can think of no better way to honor his memory than by naming this future stretch of Norman turnpike in his honor, creating a lasting tribute to the legacy he leaves behind.”

During his career, Keith sold over 40 million records and more than 20 number-one singles

Legislation authors believe this would commemorate the life and legacy of Toby Keith.

The bill will now head to the Senate.

To read the full House Resolution, click here.

President Donald Trump delivered a 108-minute State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night. The speech celebrated what Trump called a “turnaround for the ages,” highlighting what he says have been broad economic gains over the past year, as well as historic achievements in border security, immigration enforcement and foreign policy. Democrats, in their rebuttal, painted a very different picture, insisting economic conditions have worsened under Trump and that his administration shows little respect for the rule of law while striving to enrich themselves.

The members of the Oklahoma delegation, all Republicans, offered praise for the president and his message:

Sen. James Lankford (interview with Griffin Media):

“Yeah, the President spoke for just less than two hours, but he walked through some key issues that I’ve had a lot of Oklahomans ask about. Where are we on illegal immigration? How are we handling enforcement? Where’s the economy? He spent a tremendous amount of time at the beginning talking about, ‘Here are the change in prices we’ve seen in eggs, in vehicles, in mortgages and inflation rate, and the significant change that that has come down.’ He spent a lot of time talking about international issues at the end, and a lot of time talking about crime and things that Americans really talk about, and I’ve had a lot of Oklahomans ask about at the beginning. So, he spent the first half talking through, I think, the Americans—the kitchen table issues there: crime, economy, where are we going as a country? Starting more jobs, having more opportunities, the tax cut changes that are really affecting a lot of Oklahomans. And then towards the end, spend a lot of time talking about international issues, including Iran. I think he needed to spend a little more time talking about the issues with Iran, since we have such a military build-up there to explain to the American people. This is why this is such a big issue, and he spent the time doing that.”

Rep. Stephanie Bice (interview with Griffin Media):

“Well, I thought it was really an opportunity for the president to talk about what he’s done over the last year and also highlight the wins. You know, we’ve seen so many people impacted by things like border security, the Big Beautiful Bill, you know, economic reform, and so he was really highlighting that tonight…There were some really amazing stories, and it was a feel-good evening. I feel like he really—I think he connected with the American people tonight.”

Rep. Tom Cole (statement)
“Throughout the first year of President Trump’s term as the 47^th President of the United States, the President has delivered on the mandate of the American people and truly ushered in the golden age. Tonight, President Trump delivered a powerful speech that illustrated just that.

“At the border, we have seen a complete one-eighty, as illegal “getaways” are down by 95 percent and migrant crossings are down by 99.99 percent. Rampant crime and disorder are turning into safer communities. We have made national security a priority again, making generational investments in America’s defense through the One Big Beautiful Bill and utilizing decisive leadership to make bold but necessary decisions like air striking Iran last year and capturing Venezuelan President Maduro earlier this year.

“I would be remiss not to mention the significant economic strides. The One Big Beautiful Bill provided the largest tax cuts in history and will bring long-lasting financial relief to families, workers, and small businesses. Years of inflation and stagnation are being replaced with renewed growth and a resurgent economy. Measurable progress has been made on cost-of-living pressures, drug costs have been lowered on the consumer, and red tape has been cut for small businesses.

“In just one year, President Trump has turned this country around. Under the previous Administration, our country had turned a blind eye to illegal immigration, we had lost respect on the world stage, and inflation was skyrocketing. Now, the American Dream is back. The United States is strong, prosperous, and respected – and, as President Trump said, the state of our union is strong.”

Rep. Kevin Hern (statement)
“Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed that when we put America first, America wins. At an unprecedented pace, he’s reversed the damage caused by four years of reckless Biden-era policies that sent our nation down the wrong path. Families are now seeing historic tax relief, lower inflation, a secure border, and peace around the world – this is only the beginning. I’m proud to stand alongside President Trump as we continue our work to lower costs, put more money in Americans’ pockets, and strengthen the American Dream for families across the country.”

Rep. Josh Brecheen (statement)
“It was an honor to attend President Trump’s State of the Union address tonight. Congress, alongside President Trump, has fought hard to restore conservative values within our great nation. While there’s still lots of work to be done, I am encouraged by the direction our nation is headed and look forward to the year ahead! The American Dream is possible once again!!!”

NORMAN — Sydney Berzon’s best performance in an Oklahoma uniform came against Cal at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. 

The LSU transfer entered the game in relief and pitched a season-high 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out four Golden Bear batters. 

Berzon’s longest outing prior to the Cal win was a 2 1/3 inning showing earlier on that day against Long Beach State, where she allowed six hits and walked one batter, but the veteran arm is ramping up into the season. 

“I think the more opportunities she gets on the mound, the better,” OU coach Patty Gasso said on Tuesday. “Right now, she is really sort of getting grounded with her pitches and her mental side.”

At LSU, Berzon was named an NFCA All-American twice, and she was a three-time All-SEC selection. 

She pitched 143 total innings as a freshman in 2023, 204 innings in 2024 and 139 1/3 innings last year as a junior. 

It’s been an adjustment splitting time between Audrey Lowry, Miali Guachino, Kierston Deal and Allyssa Parker in 2026, but the Sooners believe that will bring the best out of the entire staff toward the end of the season. 

“They grow up playing travel ball and being the pitcher that carries so many innings,” Gasso said. “I love Sam Landry, and she did a phenomenal job for us, I just don’t want to put a pitcher through that. It’s not good for us, either. We’re aiming to have as many aces as we can in one staff.”

Berzon, and Oklahoma’s entire pitching staff, has also had to adjust without associate head coach and pitching coach Jennifer Rocha. 

Rocha is on a leave of absence to tend to a health matter, and former OU pitcher Karlie Keeney has stepped in to assist the program in the interim. 

Berzon, Guachino, Parker and Berkley Zache have all had to get to know Keeney on the fly, but the veterans Deal and Lowry have helped ease the transition. 

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“I think (Deal and Lowry) being here last year has helped us a lot,” Guachino said on Tuesday. “They’re really good at explaining stuff to us and showing us how everything was run last year. 

“… Karlie being here last year also helps a lot. She kind of knows how everything, (how) games work and things like that.”

OU opens its home slate with six games this weekend, starting Thursday, which will provide Berzon a host of chances to build on Saturday’s outing. 

“We want to give her as many opportunities as possible to stay in the game to see what that looks like,” Gasso said. “Give her as many pitching opportunities as possible to help that cause.”