University of Oklahoma

Homeless individuals in New Orleans face extreme heat with temperatures reaching 115°F, exacerbating health risks. Victor Tate, unsheltered for over a decade, describes limited relief under the Pontchartrain Expressway. Over 1,563 people experience homelessness in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, with rising heat-related health issues impacting vulnerable populations like seniors.

Gerald Kenneth 'Jed' Hornung II, born in Oklahoma City on July 31, 1929, passed away in Burlington, Vermont on July 20, 2026, at age 96. He was a National Debate Champion, first National President of the American Junior Red Cross, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and held leadership roles in business and the United Methodist Church. He married Virginia (Jini) Ann Spain in 1952, and their family included three children.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson discusses her leadership approach, career history, and goals for reducing violent crime and strengthening community engagement. She highlights her background in law enforcement, military service, and prior roles in Raleigh, emphasizing her focus on wellness and faith-driven leadership.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson participates in a live stream event to discuss her leadership and personal background. She is the city's first female police chief, with a career spanning roles in law enforcement, military service in Kosovo and Iraq, and a focus on reducing violent crime and enhancing community engagement.

Oklahoma's student performance has declined, dropping to 48th in NAEP rankings, but charter schools, particularly brick-and-mortar ones serving Black and Hispanic students, have shown stronger performance. Data from 2024-25 shows 31 of 49 brick-and-mortar charter schools outperformed traditional schools, with notable examples like Deborah Brown Elementary School outscoring peers by 59 points. Virtual charters, however, largely underperformed except Oklahoma Connection Academy High School.

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma discovered a hormone called FGF21 that may reduce obesity in mice by increasing metabolic rate without calorie restriction. The study, published in Cell Reports, shows FGF21 targets the hindbrain to regulate metabolism, similar to GLP-1 drugs, but with distinct mechanisms. However, experts caution that results in mice may not translate directly to humans due to differences in FGF21 behavior.

Two years after the 2024 Columbia University Gaza Solidarity Encampment, campuses remain marked by fear and self-censorship, with 91% of students avoiding open dissent on topics like Israel-Palestine and abortion. A 2026 FIRE survey highlights growing ideological conformity, violent threats against conservatives, and a 72-to-1 Democratic-Republican faculty ratio in Yale’s humanities departments.