Oklahoma
As OKC continues to expand, it will encounter massive traffic problems similar cities have.
The traffic situation on Interstate 35 in Oklahoma is becoming increasingly problematic. Commuting south of the metro area down to the Red River can be challenging due to frequent accidents and traffic congestion that negatively impact the economy of the Sooner State.
The state of the highway is very much considered a negative, and for an ever-growing state, it continues to show that Oklahoma still needs to prepare for an influx of people who could move to the state in the coming years. Solutions proposed to fix the problem, such as ACCESS Oklahoma, continue to show that the state’s car-centric attitudes will be its demise. Adding more lanes or miles to I-35 differs from Oklahoma’s current needs. A decadelong construction project alongside this, while creating economic development, will bring more negatives than positives in the long term.
The state does not need one more lane; it needs other forms of transportation while modernizing what we currently have. The development of a more advanced regional public transit system while maintaining bike and road infrastructure is a great place to start with these lofty revisions.
The metro area is already perfectly set up for a regional commuter rail system, with BNSF and Union Pacific operating multiple rail lines in all directions out from OKC. The metro area could construct a world-class transit system that can clear current traffic challenges in and out of the city. Instead of adding more cars to the problem, we remove them and put them on already-built rails. The state would have to invest in infrastructure such as stations, locomotives and passenger cars, which may be seen as a negative. However, this could be done much quicker than a 10-year highway construction project that will relocate hundreds of people.
As Oklahoma City continues to expand, it will encounter massive traffic problems that similar cities are seen to have. Inadequate infrastructure that fast-growing cities tend to face is a severe challenge.
Due to insufficient and modernized infrastructure, we want to ensure new business and economic development opportunities can be set up in the state. Mass transit will become increasingly crucial, and passenger and commuter rail can be an incredibly positive solution. Increasing the development of mass transit can stabilize increased rates of congestion and maximize the transit routes in the metro.
With more than one option, people will spread out over different modes, increasing efficiency. Drivers will have to worry less about traffic volumes, while non-car commuters will enjoy a faster ride into and out of the city.
It requires a significant investment. However, the long-term benefits of reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality and increased transportation options for residents make it a worthwhile investment.
As for funding, there are various options, such as public-private partnerships, federal grants and dedicated tax revenues. Regarding flexibility, a regional rail system may not be suitable for everyone’s specific travel needs. However, it could still provide a valuable transportation option for many people. For those who need to make multiple stops or travel outside the designated rail routes, there could be complementary transportation options such as buses or ride-sharing services.
Ultimately, a regional rail system would provide an additional transportation choice that could help reduce traffic congestion and provide Oklahoma with a modern solution to a past problem.
Colin Caso is an undergraduate student from the University of Oklahoma.
A local lawmaker is introducing a bill to prohibit obscene materials in Oklahoma public school libraries.
Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, filed legislation this week, House Bill 2978, that would update state law and prohibit the acquisition of materials that meet Oklahoma’s legal definition of obscenity.
The bill removes references to subjective community standards and relies on established statute, according to Banning.
“This legislation provides a straightforward statewide rule that helps ensure school libraries stay within the definition of education,” Banning said. “According to Black’s Law Dictionary, education is defined as providing proper moral, intellectual and physical instruction.”
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The Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-5, 1-0 SEC) will host Xzayvier Brown and the Oklahoma Sooners (11-3, 1-0 SEC) at Humphrey Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The game tips at 7 p.m. ET.
In the article below, we’ll give you all the info you need to watch this matchup on TV.
As college hoops matchups continue, prepare for the contest with everything you need to know about Wednesday’s game.
Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Game time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Starkville, Mississippi
- Arena: Humphrey Coliseum
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State stats and trends
- On offense, Oklahoma is averaging 87.3 points per game (29th-ranked in college basketball). It is surrendering 72.2 points per contest at the other end (153rd-ranked).
- The Sooners are averaging 34.8 boards per game (99th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while allowing 29.1 rebounds per contest (85th-ranked).
- Oklahoma is delivering 16.7 assists per game, which ranks them 67th in college basketball in 2025-26.
- The Sooners are forcing 11.1 turnovers per game this year (240th-ranked in college basketball), but they’ve averaged only 8.9 turnovers per game (eighth-best).
- Oklahoma is draining 10.5 threes per game (28th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 35.6% shooting percentage (94th-ranked) from three-point land.
- The Sooners rank 283rd in college basketball with 8.6 treys allowed per game this year. Meanwhile, they rank 317th with a 36.1% shooting percentage allowed from three-point land.
- In terms of shot breakdown, Oklahoma has taken 53.1% two-pointers (accounting for 65.7% of the team’s baskets) and 46.9% three-pointers (34.3%).
Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Sooners (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Oklahoma (-116), Mississippi State (-104)
- Total: 159.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 3:47 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.
OKLA. — Oklahomans who need help paying their heating bills can now apply for winter energy assistance through Oklahoma Human Services.
State officials announced Tuesday that online applications are open for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The federally funded program helps qualifying households cover the cost of their primary heating source during the winter months.
Applications can be submitted online at OKDHSlive.org.
LIHEAP is offered twice each year — once during the winter for heating costs and again in the summer to help with cooling expenses.
Oklahoma Human Services also operates the Energy Crisis Assistance Program, which opens in the spring, along with year-round help for life-threatening energy emergencies.
Some households already receiving benefits through Oklahoma Human Services may be automatically approved for winter assistance and do not need to apply.
Those households have already been notified. Others who receive state assistance but are not pre-approved are encouraged to apply online.
Eligible households may receive one LIHEAP payment per year for winter heating, which is applied directly to their main energy source.
A household is defined as anyone sharing the same utility meter or energy supply.
Native American households may apply through Oklahoma Human Services or their tribal nation, but not both for the same program during the same federal fiscal year.
Income limits vary by household size. For example, a single-person household may earn up to $1,696 per month, while a family of four may earn up to $3,483 per month.
Larger households have higher income thresholds.
Applicants will need their most recent heating bill, a photo ID, Social Security number and proof of income.
Officials stress that utility information must be entered exactly as it appears on the bill.
Oklahoma Human Services expects high demand during the enrollment period and encourages applicants to apply online for faster processing.
Households with shutoff notices are not given priority and are urged to continue making payments or work with their utility providers to avoid service interruptions.
Funding for the winter heating program is limited, and applications will close once funds are exhausted.
The state has also announced tentative enrollment dates for other energy assistance programs in 2026:
- Energy Crisis Assistance Program: April 14
- Summer Cooling Assistance: July 14
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