Oklahoma
New Oklahoma fireworks law brings back bottle rockets, leaves local bans intact
A new Oklahoma law legalizing bottle rockets and allowing year-round fireworks sales in some parts of the state is drawing praise from fireworks retailers while prompting city officials to remind residents that local fireworks bans remain unchanged in some communities.
The Rockets’ Red Glare Act recently took effect and primarily applies to unincorporated areas of Oklahoma where county regulations govern fireworks sales and use. Cities such as Oklahoma City, Yukon, and Midwest City continue to enforce their own ordinances.
Oklahoma City Ban Remains in Place
Despite the new state law, fireworks remain illegal within Oklahoma City limits.
“The important thing for everybody within the city of Oklahoma City needs to know is fireworks are still illegal to buy, sell, purchase or light off within the city limits of Oklahoma City,” said Scott Douglas, a battalion chief and public information officer with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.
Douglas said Oklahoma City’s fireworks ordinance has been in place since 1912 and is not affected by the Rockets’ Red Glare Act.
“This law does not affect us. It does not affect the city of Oklahoma City. It does not affect our ordinance,” he said.
Bottle Rockets Return
One of the most significant changes under the new law is the return of bottle rockets, which had been prohibited in Oklahoma since 1981.
Robert Johnson of Good Guys Fireworks said the change will give Oklahomans an opportunity to purchase the products locally rather than traveling across state lines.
“We’re very excited to add some stick rockets back to the inventory,” Johnson said. “They’ve been outlawed since 1981.”
Johnson said customers have responded enthusiastically to the law’s passage.
“We want them to shop local in Oklahoma,” he said.
Johnson’s company operates 18 fireworks locations across central Oklahoma.
Limited Impact in Mustang
In Mustang, officials say the law will result in only minor changes.
“We’ve always had fireworks discharge in Mustang,” said Fire Marshal Eric Halter. “The only thing that changed for our municipality with the state law is the bottle rockets.”
According to Halter, residents may discharge fireworks from June 27 through July 4. Fireworks are allowed from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. June 27 through July 3 and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
The city also recommends that people who live outside Mustang use Wild Horse Park for fireworks activities.
Safety Concerns Remain
Officials in both Oklahoma City and Mustang stressed the importance of fireworks safety ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
Halter encouraged residents to follow manufacturers’ instructions, keep children from lighting fireworks, avoid holding fireworks in their hands and properly extinguish fireworks before throwing them away.
“A lot of the fires that we see are people throw discharged fireworks away in their trash can, and then they pull the trash cans up next to their house,” Halter said.
He warned that fireworks can continue smoldering for hours before igniting trash containers or nearby structures.
Douglas said the Oklahoma City Fire Department continues to discourage the use of consumer-grade fireworks because of the risks they pose.
“Our stance on fireworks is there’s no safe way to handle consumer-grade fireworks,” he said.
Douglas noted that sparklers can burn at temperatures of approximately 1,200 degrees and that fireworks frequently cause fires in homes, fields and other properties.
Retailers Expect Strong Holiday Sales
As the Fourth of July approaches, Johnson said fireworks retailers are anticipating a strong season, fueled in part by the return of bottle rockets and increased interest surrounding the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
“We are expecting them to explode,” Johnson said of sales. “Twenty percent up is what we have planned for.”
Officials are encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with local regulations before purchasing or using fireworks, noting that rules vary widely depending on where they live.
The road to Omaha runs through Lawrence this weekend.
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Oklahoma and Kansas will meet in the NCAA Super Regionals with a trip to the College World Series on the line. The best-of-three series features two of the hottest teams in college baseball after both pulled off major upsets during regional play.
The Sooners advanced by eliminating No. 2 national seed Georgia Tech in Atlanta, while Kansas swept through its home regional, including two wins over Arkansas.
Kansas radio analyst Kevin Wheeler joined Toby Rowland on the Oklahoma’s Own Sports Podcast this week and said the atmosphere at Hoglund Ballpark should be unlike anything fans have seen this season.
Kansas expects a packed and loud Hoglund Ballpark
“Every single pitch, the crowd lived and died with that moment,” Wheeler said. “It was really special to see that.”
Wheeler said the Jayhawks benefited from one of the best home-field environments in program history during regional play and expects an even larger crowd for the Super Regional.
Kansas recently expanded fan areas around the stadium and has continued to set attendance records during its historic season.
Historic season fuels Jayhawks’ confidence
The Jayhawks enter the weekend in the middle of one of the best seasons the program has ever seen.
Kansas won the Big 12 regular-season championship for the first time in more than 70 years, captured its first conference tournament title in two decades and hosted its first NCAA Regional.
Wheeler credited head coach Dan Fitzgerald for building a culture centered on team-first players.
“He doesn’t want the best player in the country. He wants the best teammate in the country,” Wheeler said.
Dominic Voegele and Kansas lineup present major challenge
Kansas is expected to start ace Dominic Voegele in Game 1.
Wheeler described Voegele as one of the best pitchers to ever wear a Jayhawk uniform, highlighting his upper-90s fastball, elite breaking ball and dominant strikeout numbers.
Offensively, the Jayhawks are led by shortstop Tyson LeBlanc, who has already broken the program’s single-season home run record.
Wheeler said Kansas’ lineup is dangerous from top to bottom, featuring a mix of power, athleticism and lineup balance that has helped fuel one of the nation’s most productive offenses.
Why Kansas respects Oklahoma’s postseason run
While Kansas has enjoyed a dream season, Wheeler said the Jayhawks understand the challenge awaiting them this weekend.
Oklahoma enters the series after knocking off Georgia Tech twice in Atlanta and overcoming multiple deficits during regional play.
“If I was Oklahoma, I’d be on cloud nine,” Wheeler said. “I think that’s the kind of team that doesn’t even think they can get beat right now.”
Both programs enter the weekend believing they have what it takes to reach Omaha.
Game 1 between Oklahoma and Kansas is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday in Lawrence. Game 2 will be played Sunday at 5 p.m., with a winner-take-all Game 3 set for Monday if necessary.
One team will leave Lawrence headed to the College World Series.
Texas swept Texas Tech in the 2026 Women’s College World Series to secure back-to-back DI softball national championships. The in-state rivals faced off in the WCWS for the second straight year, with Texas coming out on top each time.
Texas ace pitcher Teagan Kavan earned Most Outstanding Player honors for the second year in a row. She is the first ever two time MOP in WCWS history.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 NCAA DI softball tournament, including the bracket, schedule, scores and more.
This year’s championship bracket was revealed on Sunday, May 10. Action started at 16 regional sites on Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17. Super regional play then began on Thursday, May 21, and ran through Sunday, May 24.
🎟️ Click or tap to secure your ticket to the WCWS
2026 NCAA softball tournament bracket
👉 Click or tap to view the interactive bracket
2026 NCAA softball tournament schedule, scores
Click or tap here for a live scoreboard.
All times ET
Women’s College World Series: May 28 – June 4/5 | Devon Park in Oklahoma City, OK
- Wednesday, June 3
- Championship Series Game 1
- Thursday, June 4
- Championship Series Game 2
Women’s College World Series results
- Thursday, May 28
- Friday, May 29
- Saturday, May 30
- Sunday, May 31
- Monday, June 1
- Selection show: Sunday, May 10 on ESPN2
- Regionals: Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17
- Tuscaloosa Regional
- Baton Rouge Regional
- Tallahassee Regional
- Los Angeles Regional
- Fayetteville Regional
- Durham Regional
- Stillwater Regional
- Lincoln Regional
- Norman Regional
- Eugene Regional
- Lubbock Regional
- Gainesville Regional
- Knoxville Regional
- Athens Regional
- College Station Regional
- Austin Regional
- Super regionals: Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24
- Knoxville Super Regional
- Lincoln Super Regional
- Gainesville Super Regional
- Fayetteville Super Regional
- Norman Super Regional
- Tuscaloosa Super Regional
- Austin Super Regional
- Los Angeles Super Regional
Where is the WCWS?
👀 LOOK BACK: Texas wins the 2025 NCAA DI softball championship
The historic Devon Park holds 13,000 fans and has hosted the WCWS every year since 1990 (with exception to 1996 when the event was held in Columbus, Georgia to preview the Atlanta Olympics). The stadium, which was once known as the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium, is set to host the softball portion of the LA Olympics in 2028.
The mecca of college softball is nestled in a town that has nurtured the growth of the sport throughout the years, seeing the likes of Jocelyn Alo, Monic Abbott and Jennie Finch take the field.
NCAA DI softball selection process
The 2026 NCAA DI softball tournament features a 64-team field that was announced during a selection show on Sunday, May 10 on ESPN2.
Thirty-one conferences were granted automatic qualification bid while 33 teams earned an at-large bid. To be considered, teams must have an overall win-loss record of .500 or better against DI competition. The DI softball committee championship subcommittee also evaluates teams’ strength of schedule and others measures to be selected.
NCAA DI softball championship history
Texas captured the 2025 national title with a decisive 10–4 victory over Texas Tech in Game 3, securing the Longhorns’ first championship in program history. UCLA remains the all-time leader with 13 titles, most recently winning in 2019, while Oklahoma holds the record for the longest championship streak, claiming four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.
| Year | Champion (Record) | Coach | Score | Runner-Up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Texas (56-12) | Mike White | 10-4 | Texas Tech | Oklahoma City |
| 2024 | *Oklahoma (59-7) | Patty Gasso | 8-4 | Texas | Oklahoma City |
| 2023 | *Oklahoma (61-1) | Patty Gasso | 3-1 | Florida State | Oklahoma City |
| 2022 | *Oklahoma (59-3) | Patty Gasso | 10-5 | Texas | Oklahoma City |
| 2021 | Oklahoma (56-4) | Patty Gasso | 5-1 | Florida State | Oklahoma City |
| 2020 | Canceled due to Covid-19 | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | *UCLA (56-6) | Kelly Inouye-Perez | 5-4 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma City |
| 2018 | *Florida State (58-12) | Lonni Alameda | 8-3 | Washington | Oklahoma City |
| 2017 | *Oklahoma (61-9) | Patty Gasso | 5-4 | Florida | Oklahoma City |
| 2016 | Oklahoma (57-8) | Patty Gasso | 2-1 | Auburn | Oklahoma City |
| 2015 | Florida (60-7) | Tim Walton | 4-1 | Michigan | Oklahoma City |
| 2014 | *Florida (55-12) | Tim Walton | 6-3 | Alabama | Oklahoma City |
| 2013 | *Oklahoma (57-4) | Patty Gasso | 4-0 | Tennessee | Oklahoma City |
| 2012 | Alabama (60-8) | Patrick Murphy | 5-4 | Oklahoma | Oklahoma City |
| 2011 | *Arizona State (60-6) | Clint Myers | 7-2 | Florida | Oklahoma City |
| 2010 | *UCLA (50-11) | Kelly Inouye-Perez | 15-9 | Arizona | Oklahoma City |
| 2009 | Washington (51-12) | Heather Tarr | 3-2 | Florida | Oklahoma City |
| 2008 | *Arizona State (66-5) | Clint Myers | 11-0 | Texas A&M | Oklahoma City |
| 2007 | Arizona (50-14-1) | Mike Candrea | 5-0 | Tennessee | Oklahoma City |
| 2006 | Arizona (54-11) | Mike Candrea | 5-0 | Northwestern | Oklahoma City |
| 2005 | Michigan (65-7) | Carol Hutchins | 4-1 | UCLA | Oklahoma City |
| 2004 | UCLA (47-9) | Sue Enquist | 3-1 | California | Oklahoma City |
| 2003 | UCLA (54-7) | Sue Enquist | 1-0 | California | Oklahoma City |
| 2002 | California (56-19) | Diane Ninemire | 6-0 | Arizona | Oklahoma City |
| 2001 | *Arizona (65-4) | Mike Candrea | 1-0 | UCLA | Oklahoma City |
| 2000 | *Oklahoma (66-8) | Patty Gasso | 3-1 | UCLA | Oklahoma City |
| 1999 | *UCLA (63-6) | Sue Enquist | 3-2 | Washington | Oklahoma City |
| 1998 | Fresno State (52-11) | Margie Wright | 1-0 | Arizona | Oklahoma City |
| 1997 | Arizona (61-5) | Mike Candrea | 10-2 | UCLA | Oklahoma City |
| 1996 | *Arizona (58-9) | Mike Candrea | 6-4 | Washington | Columbus, Ga. |
| 1995 | *#UCLA (50-6) | Sharron Backus | 4-2 | Arizona | Oklahoma City |
| 1994 | *Arizona (64-3) | Mike Candrea | 2-0 | Cal State Northridge | Oklahoma City |
| 1993 | Arizona (44-8) | Mike Candrea | 1-0 | UCLA | Oklahoma City |
| 1992 | *UCLA (54-2) | Sharron Backus | 2-0 | Arizona | Oklahoma City |
| 1991 | Arizona (56-16) | Mike Candrea | 5-1 | UCLA | Oklahoma City |
| 1990 | UCLA (62-7) | Sharron Backus | 2-0 | Fresno State | Oklahoma City |
| 1989 | *UCLA (48-4) | Sharron Backus | 1-0 | Fresno State | Sunnyvale, Calif. |
| 1988 | UCLA (53-8) | Sharron Backus | 3-0 | Fresno State | Sunnyvale, Calif. |
| 1987 | Texas A&M (56-8) | Bob Brock | 4-1 | UCLA | Omaha, Neb. |
| 1986 | *Cal State Fullerton (57-9-1) | Judi Garman | 3-0 | Texas A&M | Omaha, Neb. |
| 1985 | UCLA (41-9) | Sharron Backus | 2-1 | Nebraska | Omaha, Neb. |
| 1984 | UCLA (45-6-1) | Sharron Backus | 1-0 | Texas A&M | Omaha, Neb. |
| 1983 | Texas A&M (41-11) | Bob Brock | 2-0 | Cal State Fullerton | Omaha, Neb. |
| 1982 | *UCLA (33-7-2) | Sharron Backus | 2-0 | Fresno State | Omaha, Neb. |
*Indicates undefeated teams in final series.
#-UCLA’s 1995 national championship was later vacated by the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions
Oklahoma
Oklahoma House Democratic leader reflects on final session, calls for focus on cost of living
“It’s my final regular legislative session, so there are a lot of mixed emotions,” said House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson. “But overall, I left feeling pretty disappointed.”
Concerns Over Cost of Living
According to the lawmaker, the legislature failed to adequately address what Oklahomans say matters most: the rising cost of living.
“People are talking about the cost of groceries, gas, home insurance—basic necessities,” said Rep. Munson. “Inflation and cost of living are top concerns, but we didn’t really address those issues.”
Oklahoma Labor Commissioner backs SQ 832 minimum wage increase
She criticized lawmakers for prioritizing funding for programs like private school vouchers and savings accounts over redirecting tax dollars to areas such as public education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“We’re not delivering for everyday people,” said Rep. Munson. “We should be putting those dollars to work in ways that directly help Oklahomans.”
Education Efforts Fall Short
While acknowledging discussions around improving education, she says the legislature didn’t go far enough.
“We talked about education outcomes, but we didn’t get to the crux of the issue,” said Rep. Munson. “That includes increasing funding to reduce class sizes, raising teacher and support staff pay, and adding more counselors.”
State leaders make record investment in the future of Oklahoma education
She added that more work remains to be done in future sessions.
Bills Left Behind
The Democratic leader also pointed to several proposals she says could have made an impact but didn’t advance, including expanding tax relief programs and increasing the minimum wage.
She also raised concerns about “dynamic pricing” in grocery stores—where electronic shelf labels and algorithms adjust prices in real time.
“That’s something that’s making things more expensive for everyday people,” said Rep. Munson. “It’s an issue we could have addressed.”
Notable Wins and Bipartisan Efforts
Despite frustrations, she highlighted several accomplishments, including approximately 40 bills passed by her caucus in the House, with several of them signed into law.
Among the key areas of progress:
“That was a strong bipartisan effort,” said Rep. Munson. “It doesn’t solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
The Importance of Bipartisanship
She emphasized that meaningful progress often comes when lawmakers work across party lines.
“When Democrats and Republicans work together, we actually solve problems,” said Rep. Munson.
She pointed to the 2023 elimination of the state sales tax on groceries as a successful example of bipartisan collaboration.
Message to Voters
As elections approach, she urged Oklahomans to stay engaged and informed.
“Know who your state representative and senator are,” said Rep. Munson. “Reach out, ask questions, and pay attention to how decisions at the Capitol affect your daily life.”
She also emphasized that civic engagement is a “two-way relationship” between voters and elected officials.
Looking Ahead—and Looking Back
Reflecting on her time in office, she said building relationships has been one of the most important lessons of her career.
“It’s easy to stay divided in politics, but we have to remember we’re all human,” said Rep. Munson. “That’s how real change happens.”
She also highlighted legislation she’s most proud of, including efforts to compensate wrongfully convicted individuals and hold insurance companies accountable for patient care decisions.
Transition in Leadership
As she prepares to step away, she expressed confidence in Representative Melissa Provenzano, who will take over leadership of the House Democratic Caucus.
“She’s fully equipped and ready,” said Rep. Munson. “She’s a strong leader who’s going to do a great job.”
Final Thoughts
While her time in the legislature is coming to an end, she says the work is far from over.
“It’s been an honor to serve my district and the state of Oklahoma,” said Rep. Munson. “The work never stops.”
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