Good morning, Norman.

An Oklahoma man from Noble was jailed in St. Louis after police discovered four dead dogs + seven critically ill in his box truck amid unsanitary conditions, and he now faces multiple animal abuse charges.

Oklahoma set a record state revenue of $16.9 billion in FY2025 supported by strong job growth and the Thunder's NBA Finals run that boosted spending last month — lawmakers raised concerns over the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's plan to reduce metro patrols, warning that local police may not be ready for major highway incidents.

The new spending bill cuts tax credits and incentives that support wind and solar projects in Oklahoma, a shift experts warn will slow renewable growth.

Energy advisors say changes will make it harder for new projects to secure stable investments, although current efforts can still gain credits until 2027.

Eli Willits, a 17-year-old shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School, was selected 1st overall by the Washington Nationals on Sunday, July 13th at 5:17 p.m.—scouts praised his strong hitting and fielding skills—and he is viewed as a top prospect in the draft.

Oklahoma players Eli Willits from Fort Cobb and Ethan Holliday from Stillwater emerged as top prospects when the MLB Draft began on Sunday at 5 p.m. on ESPN and MLB Network—Sunday covered rounds 1–3 while Monday will feature rounds 4–20 with the Nationals picking first.

SEC Media Days will begin in Atlanta today as coaches and players meet with reporters to discuss the upcoming season—SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is expected to address conference successes and future scheduling, and OU head coach Brent Venables along with key players will meet the media on Wednesday.

Former OU pitcher Kyson Witherspoon was selected 15th overall by the Boston Red Sox in Sunday's MLB Draft — his slot value is $5,114,200 — making him the first first-round OU pick since 2022 and a consensus First Team All-American this past season.

Beats & Bites Festival featuring John Waite and Paul Young

6:30-10:00 p.m. — Riverwind Casino — Check event page for pricing — Celebrate Oklahoma's finest with live music, food trucks, and a fireworks show.

Beats & Bites Festival featuring Kansas

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Riverwind Casino — Ticket prices vary — A night of classic rock and food trucks featuring legendary bands Kansas and Starship.