Oklahoma
Oklahoma Democrats mourn Fred Harris, former US senator and presidential candidate
Oklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris, a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94.
Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.
“Fred Harris showed us what is possible when we lead with both heart and principle. He worked to ensure everyone had a voice and a seat at the table,” said Alicia Andrews, chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.
Harris appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier this year as a guest speaker for the Oklahoma delegation, where he reflected on progress and unity.
“Standing alongside him in Chicago this summer was a reminder of how his legacy continues to inspire,” Andrews said.
Kalyn Free, a member of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma and the DNC, said that there is no one else in public service whom she admired more than the former senator.
“He was a friend, a mentor, a hero and my True North. Oklahoma and America have lost a powerful advocate and voice,” Free said in a statement. “His work for Indian Country will always be remembered.”
“Senator Harris truly was an Oklahoma treasure and was ahead of his time in so many ways,” said Jeff Berrong, whose grandfather served in the state Senate with Harris. “He never forgot where he came from and he always remained focused on building a society that would provide equality of opportunity for all.”
Harris served eight years in the state Senate before he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served another eight years before his 1976 presidential campaign. State party leaders commemorated his work on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, or the Kerner Commission, to investigate the 1960s riots. Harris was the last surviving member of the commission.
Shortly after his presidential campaign, Harris left politics and moved to New Mexico and became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico.
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Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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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