Memorial Day began as Decoration Day to remember and honor all those who died during the Civil War. While it originated among relatives of Confederate soldiers in 1866, the Union veterans organization, the Grand Army of the Republic, adopted the concept in 1868. The GAR's first commander, Gen. John A. Logan, issued General Order No. 11 on May 5, 1868, asking the membership to observe May 30 as an annual observance to honor the Union dead. It became known as Decoration Day.

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is increasing recreational access in accordance with Oklahoma’s “Open Up and Recover Safely” plan. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Chickasaw Nation officials plan to begin a phased reopening of all of the tribe's casinos and gaming centers May 27.

As of May 23, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 5,960 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and 311 total deaths. 

Women account for about three-fourths of all COVID-19 infections among health care workers and in nursing homes in Oklahoma, resulting in a higher proportion of women than men overall infected across the state.

A local father called police when he noticed a convicted sex offender was waiting outside the restrooms at a state park.

Mini-Max grocery store owner Bill Johnson has long aimed to fuse his businesses with his burgeoning nonprofit, Genesis 12:2, he said.

Gary Batton said he has many people to thank for his induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Enid and Garfield County Emergency Management Director Mike Honigsberg said Friday's early morning storms caused damage across the area.

The Norman Citizens Advisory Board says its members are mostly satisfied with the Norman Police Department's investigation into an officer's "extremely inappropriate" movie reference in an email to the department.

Multiple school administrators in the area have earned recognition.

A Pauls Valley student has been recognized as a top scholar by the very school she plans to soon attend.

The ACLU of Oklahoma is asking for an independent investigation into Jacob McDonough, the Norman Police Department officer who referenced Ku Klux Klan imagery in an email to the department. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A convenience to Oklahoma consumers born out of the pandemic will be allowed to remain in place.  The measure, by Sen Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, and Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, allows curbside sales or home deliveries of beer, wine and spirits to continue.  Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1928 into law Thursday. 

Edit: It appears the suspect’s first name is spelled Bryan, not Brian, according to his booking information on the Grady County Law Enforcement website.

A Purcell man was injured in a motorcycle wreck two miles east of Dibble on Wednesday. 

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has reported 71 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 48 recoveries and two deaths as of May 21. 

Chickasha Police have confirmed that a subject was taken into custody following a standoff on Elmview Drive in Chickasha on Thursday morning. 

❝Enid is such a supportive community, and when you see this, it warms your heart. It's always good to see the community come together, especially to support our seniors.❞ — Kristie Browne

A Stillwater Junior High teacher was arrested Tuesday after being accused of lewd proposals to a minor.

Chickasha’s parade for graduates goes through downtown Chickasha.

Chickasha held a parade for its graduates Tuesday. The parade started at the high school and went through downtown Chickasha.

Chickasha graduates make their way through downtown Chickasha.

The Edmond Historical Society and Museum will virtually present 1940s Radio Comedy Theater: "Fibber McGee the Census Taker" for free at 2 p.m. June 14.

Oklahoma weather is trying something a little different the rest of the week—consistency. 

MOORE — For Moore Mayor Glenn Lewis, the tornado that hit the town in seven years ago feels like it happened yesterday.

HASKELL — Stephen and Julie Mortensen first had the dream of owning a cattle ranch while attending Oklahoma State University.

Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris said deputies continue their investigation into an armed robbery at the Dollar General in Longtown just after 10 p.m. Sunday.