Valerie Scott

President Donald Trump's budget bill brings stricter rules to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the federal food assistance program, and shifts costs to states, putting an estimated 131,000 Oklahomans at risk of losing food benefits.

On the eve of Oklahoma statehood, the federal government shut down the Cherokee Advocate newspaper and seized its printing press, cutting off the primary source of information for the Cherokee people during uncertain times.

Dear Editor, The Vian Community Foundation's 25th annual Fireworks Extravaganza was a fun event for all, yet terribly saddened by the news of our Vian and Keys guys who had been severely injured the night before.

In Oklahoma City, nearly $44,000 was spent on the boulders underneath the Boulevard bridge to discourage further encampment. Tulsa's boulder project, including landscaping products, was donated by a local quarry, a city spokesperson said.

The boulders appeared on Fourth Street as if by magic. But their placement near Tulsa's Metrolink station is no accident; the rocks are intentionally unwelcoming, placed to deter those without homes from spending the night.

The boulders appeared on Fourth Street as if by magic. But their placement near Tulsa's Metrolink station is no accident; the rocks are intentionally unwelcoming, placed to deter those without homes from spending the night.

A new proposed senate bill seeks to create memorial plazas for Charlie Kirk on college campuses across Oklahoma. Senate Bill 1187 would require public institutions of higher learning across the state to establish a “Charlie Kirk Memorial Plaza”. The requirements for this plaza include placement in a prominent, highly visible and easily accessible area, like a student union, the central quad, or main entrance pathways. Also included would be a statue of Charlie Kirk – as well as a summary detailing Kirk’s life and work.

We have a traffic alert for drivers in Edmond. The main entrance to Target is temporarily closed. Repaving the street began on Monday and is expected to end on Friday. During this time the west-bound and east-bound lane off 2nd street will be closed. Shoppers should use alternate entry points located on south Bryant, next to Sonic, or on 2nd street at Blackwelder avenue. As this is a high-traffic area, drivers should expected possible delays

UCentral’s Valerie Scott got a chance to speak with Central Pantry Director Nicole Doherty on why facing food insecurity is so important

The Trump administration announced that it will be partially funding the SNAP program. This came after a judge’s ruling requiring to keep the nation’s largest food aid program. Due to the government shutdown, the Department of Agriculture had planned to freeze payments starting November 1st. An emergency fund of $4.5 billion will be used to cover some of the cost. However, that is only enough to cover about half of the normal SNAP benefits. By depleting the emergency funding, the country could be in a similar situation in December if the shutdown isn’t resolved. It is unclear how much and when recipients will receive their benefits.