Federal data show electricity consumption is up in the U.S. after more than a decade of little growth, partly because of data centers and other energy-hungry facilities. Average electricity prices are following the trend nationwide.

Local headlines for Thursday, February 12, 2026

A new report shows foreign individuals or investors owned about 5% of Oklahoma land in 2024.

A federal agency is suspending government contracts awarded to more than 1,000 small businesses facing systemic barriers. Amid misinformation about tribal participation in the program, Cherokee Nation leadership is emphasizing the importance of the tribe’s dedicated contracting arm, Cherokee Federal.

The "A Home for Every Child" initiative aims to achieve a foster home-to-child ratio of greater than 1:1 in every state.

Welcome to the We Are Land-Grant series — short stories about how Oklahoma State University is making a difference through public impact research — improving lives in Oklahoma and beyond.

Kendrick Antonio Simpson was executed by lethal injection at 10:19 a.m. Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

Van Der Beek played Dawson Leery on the hit show Dawson's Creek. He announced his colon cancer diagnosis in 2024.

From the passing of a Tulsa guitar legend to the biggest Red Dirt band writing a song for kids, here's our round-up of the week's local music news.

Local headlines for Wednesday, February 11, 2026