The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma rose by 673, including two in Garfield County, with three additional deaths recorded Wednesday, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

An online petition asking for a more flexible fall semester has received more than 1,500 signatures of support from University of Oklahoma students, employees and community members with significant concerns about returning to campus. 

Two small hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are among 10 facilities being contacted by congressional investigators over the price of COVID-19 testing and reports of surprise medical bills.

The Centers for Disease Control guidelines on whether to wear a face covering or mask during the pandemic remains a point of controversy in Oklahoma and elsewhere, as COVID-19 continues to surge.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma rose by 283, including one in Garfield County, for 15,928 overall cases, with no deaths reported Sunday, according to Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Arachnophobia is one of the most common fears of people all over the world. However, much of that fear may be unwarranted as only a dozen or so of the estimated 50,000 species of spider pose any real threat to humans.

Oklahoma saw its second highest, single-day increase in COVID-19 cases Saturday, with 580 new positive tests confirmed, the third time in a week the state topped 500 cases in a 24-hour period, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Drought continues to persist in Northwest Oklahoma as conditions reach severe levels.

Despite a sharp downturn in oil and gas production tax collections, Oklahoma's economy displayed signs of resiliency in June, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said as he released the monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report.

Should Mother Nature cooperate, EaglePicher Technologies batteries will once again be making a 75.6-million-mile journey to the red planet.

Oklahoma recorded more than 500 new COVID-19 cases for the second time in a week, as the overall number of positive tests in the state topped 15,000 Friday, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

With four months to go until divided America decides the presidential race, voters in the heartland are focused on an economy in trouble, the unending coronavirus pandemic and protests over racial injustice.

In the end, the narrow passage of State Question 802 to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma came down to a lopsided arithmetic: Only seven counties voted in favor of the proposal, and 70 counties voted against.

Enid's own "Lady Liberty" will be flying over the nation's capital on the Fourth of July, in a fly-over of historic and active-duty military aircraft coordinated by the Department of Defense.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Three Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers on motorcycles were injured in an accident while participating in a procession for a Tulsa police officer who was fatally shot this week, officials said.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahomans hoping to see the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University football teams hit the gridiron this fall should start wearing face masks, the governor said this week.

❝Our plan will address concerns and provide options for families. EPS will be able to deliver instruction in a regular in-person, a virtual and/or a blended model.❞ — Superintendent Darrell Floyd

The state saw another 427 new COVID-19 cases, including eight in Northwest Oklahoma, and six more deaths were reported Thursday, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A 4-year-old Muskogee Police Department K-9 has died, according to a release from Officer Lynn Hamlin.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Officials with the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma met with Gov. Kevin Stitt Wednesday to sign a 15-year gaming compact that permits the tribe to engage in Class II and Class III gaming in Logan County. 

Heat index values up to 110 are forecast, according to the NWS. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

Students will have three options on how to attend when classes start Aug. 12 in McAlester.

The orchestra will perform at 8:30 p.m. before the fireworks display at Meadowlake Park, as well as during the pyrotechnics, which begin at dark.

Deputy Bryan Jones and his K-9 Tibo have been with the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office for over a year. Jones is applying for a Heat Alarm Grant from the National Dog Police Foundation to protect Tibo when he is not around.

Area school officials say they plan to use state grant money to improve technology and connectivity, as well as primary grade learning.

The YouthBuild program at Community Development Support Association has been recognized as a model for the 300 YouthBuild programs in the United States and abroad, due to its students' high attainment rate of high school diplomas.

Tahlequah Farmers’ Market board has decided to continue the 2020 market online, with pickup available on Saturday mornings.

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to increase in Oklahoma, Northeastern Health System remains cautious and continues to follow regulations and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, and local government policies.

TAHLEQUAH — Cherokee Nation is contributing nearly half a million dollars total to 136 rural Oklahoma fire departments. The contributions help to support volunteer fire departments, which otherwise rely on fundraisers, membership dues and the help of good Samaritans to maintain their vital operations.

Fireball Classic Memorial Race organizers say there’s still time to enter the virtual race, and racers have until the end of July to complete their runs.

Five people charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the Sept. 11, 2019, home invasion and attack of a 41-year-old Enid woman that ultimately resulted in her death will stand trial on their charges.

Attorney General Mike Hunter has filed charges against four people in connection with a fentanyl distribution operation that allegedly claimed the lives of at least two last month.

Cassidy Henshaw, office manager of Health First Chiropractic Clinic, said the community has been incredible during this time of uncertainty.

An annual fall tradition will not happen in September as it was decided Wednesday to cancel the Garfield County Fair for safety reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.