Oklahoma
'Hate has no place': Oklahoma signs IHRA definition of antisemitism into state law
The state of Oklahoma has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition into its state law, with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signing two related bills on Tuesday.
The first bill – SB 942 – defines antisemitism according to the IHRA definition, including all 11 modern examples, as well as mandating the definition’s incorporation into student, faculty, and employee codes of conduct.
This bill also intersects with the implementation of Title VI of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.
As such, Oklahoma’s Education Department and its Higher Education bodies will now need to designate a Title VI coordinator to monitor antisemitic discrimination and harassment and investigate all submitted complaints, according to the wording of the bill.
As a result, any school that fails to address complaints of antisemitism after receiving a written notice will have the case reported to the US Justice and Education departments.
The second bill – SB 991 – adopts the IHRA definition into state law, making Oklahoma the 37th state to have either adopted or endorsed the definition, according to the Combat Antisemitism Movement.
According to the bill, the definition is to be used as a guide for “training, education, and recognizing and combating antisemitic hate crimes.”
Governor Stitt previously endorsed the definition in January 2022. The bills themselves were brought to a vote at the Oklahoma House of Representatives in April 2025, where they passed by majorities of 56-29 and 62-24, respectively.
Senator Kristen Thompson, who sponsored the bill alongside Rep. Emily Gise, said, “Oklahoma has always stood against hate, and today we move one step closer to ensuring our universities are equipped to recognize and respond decisively to antisemitism.”
‘Hate has no place in Oklahoma’
“With this legislation, we send a clear message: hate has no place in Oklahoma,” she added.
“We can’t combat what we can’t define,” said Rep. Gise. “This framework is going to help us understand what is and isn’t antisemitism.”
Oklahoma’s House of Representatives said Gise’s inspiration for the bill derived from her position as a former student leader with ‘Sooners for Israel.’ Here, she reportedly saw “firsthand the harassment and isolation Jewish students endured simply for expressing their identity, an experience that left a lasting impression and continues to fuel her commitment to this work.”
The Oklahoma Sooners look to build upon the best recruiting class they’ve had in the Brent Venables era with another offer in the 2027 recruiting class. This time, the Sooners join the pursuit for three-star wide receiver Taurean Rawlins.
Rawlins, out of Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta, has seen his recruitment take off this offseason, in particular in the last month. He received his first offer from Boise State in January and, in the last couple of weeks, has received offers from Florida State, Miami, Nebraska, Ohio State, Georgia, and now Oklahoma. He’s also received offers from South Carolina, Mississippi State, Kansas, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia.
Currently ranked No. 475 in the On3 Industry Rankings, Rawlins is likely to see a rise in the rankings over the next six months ahead of the early signing period.
Rawlins has elite speed and can create big plays every time he touches the ball. He’s a good route runner with excellent hands. He fights through tackles to gain yards after the catch. He’s a shifty player who is able to make players miss in the open field.
The Oklahoma Sooners have three wide receivers committed in the 2027 class: Demare Dezeurn, Greydon Howell, and Tra’von Hall. But Rawlins has a chance to finish the recruiting cycle among the best wide receivers in the class if his trajectory continues.
Taurean Rawlins Recruiting Profile
Vitals
| Projected Position | Wide Receiver |
| Height | 6-0 |
| Weight | 175 pounds |
| Hometown | Sandy Springs, Ga. |
Ratings
| Site | Stars | Overall | Position | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN | 3 | — | 49 | 41 |
| 247Sports | 3 | — | 53 | 47 |
| 247Sports Composite | 3 | 475 | 58 | 53 |
| Rivals | 3 | — | 66 | 69 |
| Rivals Industry | 3 | 445 | 63 | 46 |
Social Media
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — New federal marijuana changes are beginning to reshape parts of the cannabis industry — including how some Oklahoma dispensaries may choose to operate.
The federal government recently moved marijuana into a less restrictive category under federal law. The Drug Enforcement Administration is now opening the door for dispensaries to register under federal rules.
Experts say that could eventually bring benefits like expanded banking access and potential tax relief for some businesses.
“Currently there’s over 425,000 people working in the cannabis industry nationwide,” said Max Simon. “As we get federal reform, you will start to see more opportunity for these businesses to expand in a more meaningful national way.”
For now, dispensaries can still remain state-only, and legal experts say many businesses are still weighing what makes the most sense.
“There were far fewer fortunes made than there were fortunes lost in this industry in Oklahoma,” said Eric Fisher. “I think this will maintain jobs in the industry right now.”
The changes also come as schools like Tulsa Community College have started training students for cannabis-related careers — highlighting how quickly the industry continues to evolve.
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Oklahoma
How to watch LA Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder: TV, live stream info for tonight’s NBA playoff game
Coverage of the 2026 NBA playoffs continues tonight on NBC and Peacock with a star-studded doubleheader. The action tips off at 7:00 PM ET, when Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers take on Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. Then, at 8:30 PM ET, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers go head-to-head with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Peacock. Live coverage begins at 6:00 PM with NBA Showtime. See below for additional information on how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on NBC and Peacock.
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LA Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game Preview:
The No. 4 Lakers defeated the No. 5 Rockets in six games to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. Los Angeles opened the series with a 3-0 lead, dropped Games 4 and 5, then bounced back with a 98-78 road win in Game 6. The win marked JJ Redick’s first playoff series victory since he took over as head coach ahead of last season.
Meanwhile, the top-seeded Thunder defeated the No. 8 Phoenix Suns 4-0, completing a First Round sweep for the third straight season. The Thunder look to become the first team to win consecutive NBA titles since the Golden State Warriors (2016-2017, 2017-18).
The Lakers and Thunder will both be without key players tonight. Luka Doncic has missed the last 11 games due to a grade 2 hamstring strain sustained on April 2 against Oklahoma City, while Jalen Williams missed the last two games for the Thunder with a grade 1 hamstring strain. Both players are considered week-to-week.
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks
2026 NBA Playoffs: Bracket, schedule, scores, matchups for conference semifinals, including 76ers vs. Knicks
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All the games — times, dates, where to watch — in one easy-to-check-out location.
How to watch LA Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder:
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When: Tonight, Tuesday, May 5
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Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series preview, predictions – Do LeBron, Lakers have a chance?
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Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 1 NBA Playoffs – predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for May 5
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
NBC Sports will present up to 23 games in the First Round and 11 games in the Conference Semifinals across either NBC and Peacock, or Peacock and NBCSN. Playoff programming concludes with exclusive coverage of the Western Conference Finals on NBC and Peacock
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Which playoff rounds will be available on Peacock?
Peacock’s NBA Playoffs coverage spans multiple rounds, including Round 1, the Conference Semifinals, and the Western Conference Finals, with coverage evolving as the postseason progresses.
Will Peacock show both Eastern and Western Conference playoff games?
Yes. During earlier rounds such as Round 1 and the Conference Semifinals, Peacock will carry a mix of Eastern and Western Conference playoff games.
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