Federal stimulus payments begin

OKLAHOMA CITY – Despite its antiquated computer equipment, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) sent out the first federal unemployment benefits under the newly enacted American Rescue Plan (ARP) on March 22, nearly a week ahead of projections.

Wheat farmers may be left out of stimulus payments

Tucked inside the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package signed into law nearly a month ago are funds designed to help farmers, ranchers and the food supply chain to survive the pandemic’s blow. But wheat, one of the largest commodities grown in Oklahoma, could be left out.