Drought Effects Wheat Harvest
Drought has had a devastating effect on wheat crops in Oklahoma.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma’s wheat harvest will be half of what last year’s was due to a dry winter that created very difficult growing conditions.
The Oklahoma Wheat Commission said this year’s spring rain saved some crops, but extra moisture made things worse and impacted the quality.
Now, Oklahoma farmers are hoping their summer crops will have a better outcome.
Oklahoma Gets Funding To Expand Broadband Internet
Oklahoma has nearly $800 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to expand broadband access across the state.
That’s part of a $42.5 billion federal program called Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD.
It’s supposed to make high-speed internet more available, affordable and reliable across the country.
About 1 in 6 Oklahomans don’t have a broadband internet connection – worse than the national average.
Executive Director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office Mike Sanders says that lack of connectivity is hindering individuals and businesses, especially in rural parts of the state.
"We've got to get connected. And this money is going to help close that divide, when it comes to high-speed Internet," said Sanders.
Sanders says the Oklahoma Broadband Office is meeting with tribes, state agencies and communities to discuss priorities.
Oklahoma will need to submit a five-year plan by the end of 2023 to receive that federal funding.
Dismissal of Manslaughter Case Against a Blackwell Police Officer Stands
The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the dismissal of a manslaughter case against a Blackwell police lieutenant.
Kay County District Court Judge Lee Turner dismissed a first-degree manslaughter case against Blackwell police lieutenant John Mitchell in 2021.
Now, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the dismissal.
Mitchell shot at Micheal Ann Godsey more than 60 times in 2019 after she was involved in a road rage incident where she shot at multiple people including another police officer.
The incident was followed by a short car chase during which Godsey was fatally shot by Mitchell.
Not included in the court’s decision was a ruling on whether prosecutors must use expert testimony in fatal police shooting cases to determine if the officer used excessive force.
Protecting Tribal Sovereignty Key Topic At Tulsa Conference
The annual tribal self-governance conference is going on in Tulsa this week.
Muscogee Nation will host tribal leaders from across the country as they gather to discuss important topics such as protecting tribal sovereignty in the wake of the US Supreme Court rulings in McGirt, Castro Huerta and the Indian Child Welfare Act.
The other big topic is health care.
Roselyn Tso who heads the Indian Health Service will be there to discuss federal programs with Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland from the Department of the Interior.
The conference will conclude Thursday.
Attendees have a chance to tour Cherokee Nation's Durbin Feeling Language Center, Black Wall Street and Muscogee Nation's Council Oak Health Care Center.
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