Lesson Learned: Warner Student Phone Ban Could Be a Statewide Model

Student chatter filled the lunchroom at Warner High School on a recent Wednesday as students downed chicken sandwiches, guzzled chocolate milk and caught up with friends. Outside, middle schoolers tossed around footballs and basketballs.

Oklahoma City woman gets 2-year sentence for Covid relief loan fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY – A woman whose record of criminal behavior extends back at least 15 years admitted defrauding the United States of $300,000 in loans intended for businesses that were experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rig Report: Rig counts hold steady in Sooner State, others

From staff reports Another report from Baker Hughes shows the nation’s oil and gas rig count continued steady for another week with a reported drop of only one rig compared to the previous week.

Agreement slashes PSO rate hike application by almost half, to $119.5M

OKLAHOMA CITY – Although a Public Service Co. of Oklahoma (PSO) rate hike application was slashed by 48%, Sooner State retirees contend a “cap” should be imposed on any increase for residential customers.

Energy/Business Briefs

National• A clip from Billy Bob Thornton’s new show “Landman” went viral on X for slamming the use of renewable energy like wind turbines, that are intended to combat the effects of climate change.• Big U.S.

EVgo to build charging network along I-44 in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Transportation Commissioners made quick work Monday of approving a new firm to build part of Oklahoma’s electric vehicle charging network mandated by the federal government.

Mexican screwworm outbreak delays cattle exports to the U.S.

From staff reports STILLWATER – Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel recently showcased how a positive detection of New World screwworm found in Mexico will impact the importation of feeder cattle into the United States into the new year.

Predicting Trump’s impact on wheat exports, Farm Bill

From staff reports Darren Padget, a former chairman for U.S. Wheat Associates, recently discussed his predictions regarding export conditions and a possible Farm Bill under the incoming Trump administration.

HPAI found in northeastern Oklahoma commercial flock

From staff reports The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Adair County. The virus was detected in a commercial poultry flock.

NCGA discusses vision for biofuels, reduced regulations

From staff reports KANSAS CITY, Mo. – National Corn Growers Association CEO Neil Caskey recently discussed the 2024 corn harvest, the Farm Bill, tax cuts, and more.While speaking at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Convention last month, Caskey said he predicts “another really big crop.