Oklahoma City (December 27, 2023) – A Yukon resident, Tamara, claimed her $1,000,000 winning Scratcher today at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center. This top prize was won on a Platinum Jackpot ticket that was purchased at 7-Eleven at 12201 W. Reno Ave in Oklahoma City.

Tamara said that when she scratched her ticket, she was shocked to see that she had won the top prize. She immediately took the ticket to her mother and asked her to double check the win to make sure. But even after hearing it confirmed, she said it didn’t sink in until she came in to claim it. Tamara came in to cash in her winning ticket while on her lunch break today and was headed back to work when she was done.

When asked what she planned to do with her winnings, she said that she was going to take her mother on a cruise and then buy a new home in Florida for both of them to live in.

This winning ticket is the first top prize claimed for Platinum Jackpot which leaves two remaining top prizes in the game. To find a retailer, visit lottery.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Lottery

Last fiscal year, the Oklahoma Lottery paid out more than $208 million in prizes to players, helping to drive both the local and state economy and bolster retail revenue throughout Oklahoma.

Since its launch, the Lottery has generated more than $1.27 billion in funds that have been given to the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund. As sales continue to grow, the Oklahoma Lottery is able to increase the contributions that benefit students and teachers across the State of Oklahoma.

For more information about how the Oklahoma Lottery contributes to Oklahoma Education, please visit www.lottery.ok.gov/who-benefits.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting parents, caregivers, and health care providers that Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition has voluntarily recalled certain Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder products due to possible Cronobacter sakazakii contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall, and it is likely most of the product that was distributed in the U.S. has already been consumed.

Consumers who have Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder with batch codes below should stop using it and throw it away or contact Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition for a refund:

ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans)
ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans)
ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans)
The products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By Date” of 1 Jan 2025.

Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder - December 2023 Recall

Additional Recall Information

Nutramigen is a hypoallergenic infant formula that is used by infants with allergies to cow’s milk. Although this product is a specialty infant formula, there are substitute infant formulas available. If the infant formula your child uses is unavailable, parents and caregivers should work with their child’s health care provider to find a suitable substitute. The FDA does not expect that this recall will have a major impact on the U.S. supply and availability of powdered infant formulas, and the agency has been in communication with other manufacturers to request their assistance in ensuring a robust supply of hypoallergenic product.  

Cronobacter sakazakii is a pathogen found naturally in the environment that can enter manufacturing facilities and home environments on hands, shoes, and other contaminated surfaces. While infant formula firms are required to test a representative sample of their product for both Cronobacter and Salmonella species, this important verification step does not guarantee the product is free of Cronobacter. Cronobacter contamination can occur at very low-levels and is not evenly distributed throughout the product, making it difficult to detect. Powdered infant formula is not a sterile product and public health agencies, including the FDA, encourage caregivers to take steps to prepare powdered infant formula as safely as possible. 

The Israeli Ministry of Health notified the FDA on Dec. 14 that Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Powdered Infant Formula produced at the Mead Johnson Nutrition Zeeland, Michigan, facility, and exported from the U.S., had initially tested positive for Cronobacter species. The product was tested at the Israeli border during routine sampling. The FDA did not have sufficient information based on this initial test alone to warrant a product action and immediately took additional investigative steps.In consultation with the FDA, Israel initiated whole genome sequencing (WGS) on the sample obtained from the infant formula to confirm the initial findings of Cronobacter species and to determine whether the isolate was Cronobacter sakazakii

The FDA immediately commenced a for-cause inspection at Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition's Zeeland facility on Dec. 18 that included collecting environmental samples as well as testing additional samples of finished product from the same batch of Nutramigen infant formula powder tested by Israel. While the FDA’s inspection is ongoing, all testing conducted to date by the FDA and Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition has been negative for Cronobacter.

On Dec. 28, the FDA received the WGS results from Israeli health officials, which confirmed a finding of Cronobacter sakazakii. The FDA immediately contacted Mead Johnson Nutrition and recommended a recall. 

On Dec. 29, Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition agreed to initiate a voluntary recall of  675,030 cans of Nutramigen powdered infant formula distributed to the United States. Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition manufactured additional products during this finished product campaign and distributed them outside of the U.S.  Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition will be contacting the regulatory authorities in each of those countries to determine the proper disposition of those products.    

The FDA has taken numerous steps to enhance the safety of powdered infant formula through the development of a Cronobacter prevention strategy, enhanced inspectional activities, increased engagement with the infant formula industry, and by pursuing regulatory action when appropriate. The agency also sent a letter to manufacturers, packers, distributors, exporters, importers, and retailers involved in the manufacturing and distribution of powdered infant formula to share current safety information and call on the industry to take prompt action to improve processes and programs for the protection of our most vulnerable population.

The agency remains committed to helping ensure an adequate supply of infant formula and giving consumers the utmost confidence that infant formula available in the U.S. is safe and nutritious. 

Additional Resources

Sunday, 31 December 2023 00:29

EOMC Menu for 12/31/2023-01/06/2024


Sunday, December 31- Chicken Pot Pie, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies.


Monday, January 1- Ham, Blackeye Peas, Greens, Cornbread.


Tuesday, January 2- Homemade Chili, Tater Tots, Veggies, Cornbread, Loaded Baked Potato Soup.


Wednesday, January 3- Chicken Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Veggies, Rolls, Tomato Basil Soup.


Thursday, January 4- Pork Carnitas, Rice, Corn, Tortillas. Broccoli & Cheese Soup.


Friday, January 5- Chicken & Dumplings, Fried Squash, Dinner Rolls.


Saturday, January 6- Grill and Salad Bar Only.

AAA urges motorists to have a plan before the party starts, drunk driving in 100% preventable.

OKLAHOMA CITY  As many prepare for New Year’s celebrations, AAA is reminding drivers and passengers alike of the dangers on the roads this New Year’s holiday, which consistently ranks among the year’s deadliest days for alcohol-related traffic fatalities.

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 13,384 people died in drunk driving crashes in 2021,” said Rylie Fletcher, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Oklahoma. “With many people celebrating the New Year and then getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking, January 1 is a particularly dangerous day on the roads. Even one death is far too many to be lost from a completely preventable crime.”

Recent NHTSA data shows December drunk driving deaths are the highest in almost 15 years. There were 1,013 lives lost in drunk driving crashes in December 2021. Between 2017-2021, 4,561 people were killed in December drunk driving crashes.

In its annual Traffic Safety Culture Index the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety noted drivers overwhelming perceived driving after drinking alcohol (94%) as very or extremely dangerous and 68% believed such a driver would be likely to be apprehended by police. However, 7% of respondents reported having engaged in this behavior in the past 30 days. This driving behavior must change in order to save lives on our roadways.

Sobering Drunk Driving Facts

  • In 2021, 13,384 people were killed in preventable, drunk driving crashes, a 145 increase from 2020. In fact, on average, more than 10,000 people die each year from drunk-driving crashes. To put it in perspective, that’s equal to about 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. (NHTSA)
  • During the Christmas and New Year’s periods in 2021, there were 304 drunk driving-related fatalities nationally. (NHTSA)
  • In Oklahoma, alcohol-related crashes injure nearly 2,500 and kill approximately 220 Oklahomans each year. (Oklahoma Highway Safety)

Responsible Behavior

To strengthen efforts to protect the public against drunk drivers and reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, AAA Oklahoma is offering important safety advice to New Year’s Eve partygoers:

  • Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.
  • Never get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
  • Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.
  • Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired.
  • Put apps or numbers for ridesharing/local cab companies in your phone before heading out for the evening.
  • Be a responsible host in reminding guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages.
  • If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).
  • Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.

 

About AAA:
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 64 million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.


Tuesday, December 26- Beef Tips, Egg Noodles, Grilled Veggies, Loaded Baked Potato Soup.


Wednesday, December 27- Mojito Lime Chicken, Rice, Veggies, Tomato Basil Soup.


Thursday, December 28- Onion Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Veggies, Rolls, Broccoli & Cheese Soup.


Friday, December 29- French Dipped Roast Beef Sandwich, French Fries, Fried Pickles.


Saturday, December 30- Grill and Salad Bar only.

Sunday, 24 December 2023 22:47

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY FOR DEC 25

 

 

 Verse of the Day

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

John 1:1

Thursday, 21 December 2023 09:01

WARNING TO POST-HOLIDAY SALE SHOPPERS

OKWNEWS is not affilated with NORD VPN, nor do we recommend this service. We are publishing this as informational only to help our readers be informed about the possibilities of falling victim to online shopping scams.

  • As momentum builds for the post-holiday sales, recent research highlights that 33 million Americans have been a victim of online shopping scams during a sales event.
  • While a quarter of victims (25%) encountered scams during sales events, nearly half are still planning on taking advantage of the festive sales
  • Despite a growing awareness of online security, a staggering 87% of bargain hunters remain willing to share at least one personal detail to secure a better deal.
  • NordVPN urges shoppers to remain vigilant against potential threats like fake websites and protect their personal information when shopping online

New York, 21 December 2023 — As one of the year's most significant sales events approaches, a recent survey by NordVPN reveals that approximately 33 million Americans have fallen victim to online shopping scams during a sales event.

According to the survey, two fifths of Americans (40%) have encountered online shopping scams, marking a 3% increase from estimates a year ago. The data points to an alarming trend that found a quarter of Americans have faced such scams during the post-holiday sales period, as well as on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

With festivities now in full swing, cyber scammers are eyeing almost half of Americans planning to participate in the post-holiday sales event. Nearly half (48%) of U.S. shoppers intend to hit the online sales - 5% more than last year - while an additional 35% are yet to finalize their plans.

The survey also reveals that a staggering 87% of Americans are willing to share some personal data to secure a bonus gift, discount, or free service.

The survey of online shoppers found that 5% would disclose their credit card details, 2% their social security number, and 12% their workplace information. Additionally, 4% would even reveal their children's names in pursuit of an extra bargain.

As the post-holiday sales season approaches, consumers are urged to exercise caution and prioritize their online security. The experts at global cybersecurity company

Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, comments: "While the holiday season is mostly a day for spending with our loved ones, it’s famously a prime opportunity for millions of shoppers to grab a bargain. Sadly, there are plenty of scammers out there waiting to seize the moment and spoil your fun.

"As you browse the sales, keep in mind that if an offer seems too good to be true or a website is requesting an excessive amount of personal information for a deal, chances are it's a scam.

"Make sure you use secure websites and trusted sellers, and be cautious about sites that demand more information than necessary. If a good deal comes at the cost of your personal details, it's because that information holds significant value for them.

"With 33 million people in the US claiming to have been a victim of an online shopping scam during a sales event, it's crucial to keep your security in mind. Discounts and time-limited offers are in abundance at this time of year and it's all too easy to click impulsively and end up regretting it further down the line."

How to protect yourself from this year’s online shopping scams

  • Only give as much information as needed: A legitimate website will only request details needed to make a transaction and ship your order. 
  • Check the URL: Without knowing it, you may have stumbled onto a fraudulent website that is taking advantage of a URL that is similar to a well-known brand, known as typosquatting. Watch out for the likes of ‘Amazun.com’ or ‘n1ke.com’, as they are likely a front to con you out of money. If you receive an email advertising post-holiday sales with a link to a deal and notice that the URL is shorter than usual, be cautious - while many are genuine, this can be a tactic used to dupe consumers or infect a device with malware. If you’re unsure, do an online search for the company’s website or enter the address manually. 
  • Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. It’s generally best to avoid shopping online using public Wi-Fi networks because they typically have weaker security  and can be scanned and breached by hackers. If you lack alternatives, VPNs are a way to encrypt your connection and protect your data. 
  • Use tools to protect your online shopping experience. While hackers use AI to automate their attacks, users can also use tools to identify fishy online shopping websites. Tools like NordVPN’s Threat Protection help flag suspicious webpages and protect users from being scammed. 
  • Monitor your bank statements. One of the best ways to ensure you aren’t being scammed is by monitoring your bank statements online or via mobile banking. Doing this allows you to not only keep track of purchases and costs but can also help you respond quickly in case you notice a suspicious transaction.

 

About NordVPN

NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, used by millions of internet users worldwide. NordVPN provides double VPN encryption and Onion Over VPN and guarantees privacy with zero tracking. One of the key features of the product is Threat Protection, which blocks malicious websites, malware during downloads, trackers, and ads. NordVPN is very user friendly, offers one of the best prices on the market, and has over 5,000 servers in 60 countries worldwide. For more information: https://nordvpn.com.

Local Residents and Businesses Can Now Access Faster Speeds of up to 500 Mbps 

OKLAHOMA – Optimum, the local provider of internet, mobile, and TV services, today announces that due to a significant upgrade made to the company’s network and infrastructure, local residents and businesses can now access higher internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps in Poteau and LeFlore, Oklahoma.

“Optimum is committed to being the connectivity provider of choice in every market we serve, and we are excited to bring faster and more reliable internet service to the Poteau and LeFlore communities,” said Sean O’Connell, Vice President, General Manager of Optimum Texoma. “Through this investment, local residents and businesses are now able to enjoy a superior connectivity experience, backed by our team of skilled local technicians, to meet all their connectivity and data needs.”

Optimum’s award-winning internet comes with 99.9% reliability, whole home WiFi coverage with Smart WiFi 6 for seamless streaming, working, gaming and more, built-in security, as well as 24/7 tech support. The company’s Optimum Mobile service is delivered over America’s most awarded 5G network and offers plans starting as low as $15 per month per line.

In addition, significant monthly savings are available for Poteau and LeFlore residents who choose Optimum Complete, a new line of Internet + Mobile bundles that start at just $45 per month for internet service with one mobile line.

Optimum Mobile Holiday Deal

Now through January 7, Optimum Mobile is offering attractive device deals for the holidays including an iPhone 15 on us with an eligible trade-in and select plan, additional trade-in bonuses with iPhone devices, and more.

The company also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a subsidy of up to $30 per month to help qualifying households pay for Internet or mobile service.

For more information on Optimum’s product offerings and services, residents can call 866.9.OPTIMUM or visit optimum.com/internet.

 

About Optimum Optimum is a brand of Altice USA, one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, and mobile services to approximately 4.8 million residential and business customers across 21 states. The company operates a4, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local, national, international and business news through its News 12, Cheddar News and i24NEWS networks.

Friday, 08 December 2023 15:12

An Early Holiday Gift – Lower Gas Prices

This Week

After a one-day dalliance with a rising price, the national average for a gallon of gas resumed its steady retreat, shedding six cents since last week to $3.18. The main reason is a weaker cost for oil, which is struggling to stay above $70 per barrel.  The falling price comes just a week after OPEC+ announced voluntary production cuts of about 2 million barrels daily.  Instead of viewing it as coal in the stocking, the oil market response has thus far been a resounding “meh.”

In Oklahoma, the gas average is $2.73 today, down three cents in the last week and nine cents lower than one year ago. Today’s national average of $3.18 is 22 cents less than a month ago and 14 cents less than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly from 8.21 to 8.47 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased significantly by 5.4 million bbl to 223.6 million bbl. Despite low gas demand, supply growth has helped push pump prices lower. If oil prices remain low, drivers can expect pump prices to do the same during the holiday season.

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (*indicates record high)

 

12/08/23

Week Ago

Year Ago

National

$3.18

$3.24

$3.32

Oklahoma

 $2.73

 $2.76

$2.82

Oklahoma City

$2.61

$2.69

$2.84

Tulsa

$2.50

$2.57

$2.64

Le Flore-Sequoyah

$2.82

$2.91

$2.87

Crude Oil

$71.19 per barrel (12/08/23)

$74.07 per barrel (12/01/23)

$71.02 per barrel (12/09/22)

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Texas ($2.68), Mississippi ($2.72), Oklahoma ($2.73), Missouri ($2.75), Louisiana ($2.75), Arkansas ($2.78), Kansas ($2.83), Alabama ($2.84), Tennessee ($2.85) and Iowa ($2.87).  

The Weekend

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI decreased by $2.88 to settle at $71.19. Oil prices dropped yesterday due to market concerns that lackluster demand could continue to push supply up while prices slide through the remainder of 2023. Additionally, the EIA reported that total domestic commercial crude inventories decreased by 4.7 million bbl to 445 million bbl last week.

“Historically, crude oil tends to drop nearly 30 percent from late September into early winter with gasoline prices trailing the play,” said Rylie Fletcher, AAA Oklahoma spokesperson. “More than half of all US fuel locations have gasoline below $3 per gallon. By the end of the year, the national average may dip that low as well.”

AAA has a variety of resources to help motorists save on fuel:

 

About AAA:
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 64 million members nationwide and more than 400,000 members in Oklahoma.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
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