Oklahoma News

Oklahoma House Override of Tort Reform Bill Veto Falls Short

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry’s veto of legislation intended to make it tougher to file some lawsuits was sustained when House Democrats blocked a Republican-led override attempt. House members voted 55-42 on a motion to override the governor’s veto, less than …

Recent Tornadoes Underscore Risks of Taking Shelter in Cars

Trapped in his car on the way to a friend’s wedding, Rick Rountree and his family never stood a chance once a tornado packing winds of 170 mph hit southwest Missouri. “It’s like taking a handful of Matchbox cars and …

Okla. AG: LaQuinta to Offer Free Rooms to Overcharged Ice Storm Victims

Oklahomans who were overcharged for hotel rooms during the December 2007 ice storms will receive free rooms or refunds after Attorney General Drew Edmondson settled a price gouging case against LaQuinta Inns. The AG’s office said an investigation found that …

Damages Mount, Again, in Storm-battered South Central States

As the town of Picher, Okla., begins to climb out of the wreckage of the deadly tornado that swept across Southeastern Oklahoma and into Missouri and beyond over the May 10 weekend, some are predicting that the town may not …

U.S. Tornadoes Take at Least 21 Lives, Destroy Homes, Power Lines

Tornadoes killed at least 21 people and injured hundreds as they ripped through the central and southeastern United States over the weekend, destroying homes, overturning cars and downing trees and power lines. Authorities said 14 people died in Missouri, six …

Oklahoma Gov. Henry Vetoes Lawsuit Reform Bill

As promised, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has vetoed lawsuit reform legislation he said conflicts with an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision on a similar bill that the court found unconstitutional two years ago. Henry issued the veto two days after the …

One Year after Tornado, Greensburg Still Struggling to Survive

Unlike Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, one year after a devastating tornado destroyed their town, many in Greensburg, Kan. are still not able to go home. Some 700 residents remain in the town that once had a population of …

University Research Aims to Improve Tornado Predictions

Three hot-air balloons dropped asphalt shingles, lumber, sticks, leaves and pine needles onto a north Alabama landfill, so scientists at The University of Alabama in Huntsville could gather data needed to improve tornado warnings. The payloads dropped by the balloons …

Ascension Insurance Names Key Executive Appointments in Kansas City

Ascension Insurance, Inc., based in Kansas City, Mo., has announced the appointments of three new executives: Calvin J. Stolle to the position of executive vice president, chief financial officer; John D. Doak to the position of senior vice president, Acquisitions; …

Central Oklahoma CPCU Chapter Elects New Officers

The Central Oklahoma Chapter of CPCU has elected new officers for 2008 – 2009. Leading the group for the coming year will be: President Robert Sisco of Mercury Insurance Group; Vice President David Alston, Mercury Insurance Group; Treasurer Tammy Armer …