News
After years of drought, Oklahoma raises cotton gin rates for first time since 1981
1+ hour, 32+ min ago (518+ words) A lot has changed since 1981, but Oklahoma cotton gin rates have not. That's not the case anymore. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission voted to increase the rate from $2 per hundred weight, to $2. 75, and up the ginning, bagging and tying of cotton…...
Oklahoma faces poor, early wheat harvest following warm winter
5+ day, 11+ hour ago (512+ words) Normally, wheat harvest begins in late May around Memorial Day, but this year, farmers are already in the middle of cutting fields in central Oklahoma fields. The early harvest is the result of a warm winter, which meant crop maturity…...
The Longest Stretch: Route 66 in Oklahoma
1+ week, 5+ day ago (285+ words) The exhibit explores how Oklahoma's 400-plus miles of drivable highway shaped communities along the route and continues to draw travelers today. Route 66 was created in 1926 and quickly became one of the most consequential roads in American history. For Oklahomans, it…...
Historical documents showcased in new book unlock history of Iowa Tribe in Oklahoma
2+ week, 7+ hour ago (658+ words) This Is the Route of My Forefathers: The 1837 Ioway Map by William Green focuses on major treaty negotiations with the federal government and a map central to the tribe's argument. That map, used primarily in 1837, charts an Ioway area of…...
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge celebrates 125 years, taking time capsule letters
3+ week, 1+ day ago (276+ words) The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Oklahoma will celebrate its 125th Anniversary on June 2 with 100-year-old time capsule projects. Those hoping to have their messages sealed in the new time capsule have until May 20 to deliver them to refuge staff....
Permanent school cellphone ban signed into law by Oklahoma governor
4+ week, 10+ hour ago (167+ words) Oklahoma's school cellphone ban will become permanent beginning next school year. Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed House Bill 1276 into law, making the state's previously established yearlong ban permanent. Lawmakers said they decided to make the bell-to-bell ban permanent after hearing…...
Oklahoma House sends permanent school cellphone ban to governor's desk
1+ mon, 4+ day ago (219+ words) A permanent ban on student use of cellphones in public schools is on its way to the governor's desk. The state House passed the measure, House Bill 1276, 83-7 on Tuesday. The Senate resurrected the 2025 bill, amended it and passed it April…...
Lawmakers advance bill to make Oklahoma's statewide school cell ban permanent
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (214+ words) Last year, Senate Bill 139 from Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, required local school boards to adopt a policy prohibiting students from cell phone and personal device use on campus during the school day. In that bill, districts were allowed to choose…...
Choctaw Nation shuts down attempt to open ICE facility near tribal headquarters
2+ mon, 4+ day ago (502+ words) The Choctaw Nation Council passed a bill on March 14, approving the purchase of the facility. Last week, Chief Gary Batton confirmed the acquisition in a statement, calling it an opportunity to strengthen the tribe's long-term business strategy. When in business,…...
Oklahoma House approves bill banning state from displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags
2+ mon, 3+ week ago (548+ words) House lawmakers advanced legislation Wednesday that would ban any Oklahoma state government entity, including public schools, from recognizing Pride Month and from displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags. The bill passed the House floor along party lines despite concerns it would harm…...