Oklahoma City bombing was 30 years ago. Some survivors worry America didn’t learn the lesson
Maryland Sen. Van Hollen meets with man sent to notorious El Salvador prison
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City marking 30 years since bombing killed 168 people
A bomb with a force powerful enough to instantly destroy much of a nine-story building shattered a quiet Oklahoma City morning and sent a shock wave through America.
Saturday is the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, the deadliest homegrown attack in United States history that exposed a dark undercurrent of anti-government extremist anger.
A public ceremony to mark the anniversary at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum will include the reading of the names of the 168 people killed, remarks by victim family members and survivors, and a keynote address by former President Bill Clinton.
The victims
The dead ranged in age from three months to 73 years old. Nineteen of them were children. Hundreds more were injured.
The building that was bombed — the Alfred P. Murrah federal complex — included regional offices for several agencies, including the Social Security Administration, the FBI, the Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and a credit union. America’s Kids Daycare was on the second floor.
The bomb, a mixture of ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel packed into a rental truck, sheared off about a third of the building and caused floors to collapse on each other. Some victims not killed by the blast were crushed to death, buried by the falling structure.
The bombers
Authorities initially suspected the attack had been orchestrated by extremists outside the U.S., but the perpetrators turned out to be two former U.S. soldiers.
Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols met while serving in the Army. The pair held a deep anger toward the American government that had been sharpened by the 1993 federal raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco that killed 76 people, and a standoff in the mountains of Ruby Ridge, Idaho, that left a 14-year-old boy, his mother and a federal agent dead.
The Oklahoma City bombing happened on the second anniversary of the fiery end to the 51-day Waco siege.
McVeigh drove the truck to the site and set the fuse to blow it up. He was convicted of 11 murder counts and executed by lethal injection in 2001. Nichols helped McVeigh plan and build the bomb. He was convicted of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter, and is serving life in prison.
Domestic extremism
The bombing exposed Americans to violent extremism and anti-government sentiment on home soil. McVeigh and Nichols sympathized with right-wing militia movements that sprang up in the early 1990s and continue to this day, often with ties to conspiracy theories, nationalism and white supremacist ideology.
How to tackle domestic political extremism has proved difficult and politically divisive in the 30 years since the bombing in Oklahoma.
In 1996, Clinton signed an “antiterrorism” law that toughened penalties for a wide range of crimes and made it a crime to target federal workers performing their duties. It also spent about $1 billion, most of it for the FBI, to expand counterterrorism efforts.
Federal criminal law defines domestic terrorism as violence intended to coerce or intimidate a civilian population and to influence government policy, but there is no stand-alone domestic terrorism charge.
In 2022, the Justice Department created a specialized unit focused on what officials described as an “elevated” threat from violent extremists in the U.S. And some survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing have said they worry that anti-government rhetoric in modern-day politics could also lead to violence.
The memorial and ceremony
What was left of the federal building was torn down about a month after the bombing and a memorial complex was built in its place.
The memorial includes a museum, a reflecting pool and 168 empty chairs of glass, bronze and stone etched with the names of those killed. Nineteen of the chairs are smaller than the others to represent the children killed.
Gates to the memorial mark the times, 9:01 a.m. and 9:03 a.m., while the reflecting pond between them represents 9:02 a.m., the minute the bomb exploded. A “Survivor Tree,” a gnarled American elm that withstood the blast, now stands on a small hill and shades the memorial below.
The memorial site is among Oklahoma’s most popular destinations, typically drawing more than 500,000 visitors each year. School children arrive by the busload to learn about the dangers of political violence.
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
OKLAHOMA CITY –
“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.”
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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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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Authorities say one person was injured in an accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle in northwest Oklahoma City.
Before 7 a.m. on Thursday, emergency crews responded to an accident near N.W. 16th St. and Grand Blvd., near the Will Rogers Trail.
Oklahoma City police tell FOX 25 that the driver stayed on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Crews closed N.W. 16th as it crosses over I-44 as they continue to investigate the crash.
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At this point, officials have not released the extent of the pedestrian’s injuries.
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