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TU professors cast no-confidence vote over administration

Tulsa Beacon

A recent confidence vote by professors at The University of Tulsa showed a majority have a lack of confidence in the leadership of President Gerard Clancy and Provost Janet Levit. TU’s administration recently began to enact a reorganization plan tagged “True Commitment” and negative reaction to that plan triggered last week’s vote. About 200 faculty…

Income tax credit for gun safety bill

Tulsa Beacon

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed legislation to create an income tax credit for Oklahoma citizens who successfully complete the gun safety training course required to get a concealed carry permit. “Since Constitutional Carry has gone into effect, many people have expressed concerns about no longer forcing people to undergo government-mandated training in order to…

Drivers license

Tulsa Beacon

Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, hosted an interim study before the House Public Safety Committee to examine possible steps that could be taken to help get drivers licenses reinstated after being involved in the justice system. Miller requested the study to examine the impact possessing a valid drivers license has on a person’s life after they…

Gambling compact negotiations between Stitt/tribes stalled

Tulsa Beacon

Gov. Kevin Stitt said state-tribal negotiations over casino compacts have reached an impasse, but said he remains committed to an improved agreement that will require state casino operators to pay market rates for monopoly gambling rights. “What does the casino industry pay in other states?” Stitt said. “What is market? That’s the fairest way to…

Pastor Nick Garland (hand raised)

Dr. Nick Garland of First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow to retire

Tulsa Beacon

BROKEN ARROW – Fifty years ago, Pastor Nick Garland began his formal ministry. Thirty-three years ago, he became pastor of First Baptist Church in Broken Arrow. Now, Garland is retiring. Last Saturday and Sunday, members of his congregation and friends honored Garland for his decades of service to the Lord at FBCBA. On Saturday, hundreds…

Lawmakers ponder more prison release strategies

Tulsa Beacon

State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane. detailed his plan to dramatically reduce the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to create a new parole system. Humphrey’s interim study, Restructuring the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System, was held before the House Public Safety Committee, which he chairs. “This plan would provide increased supervision and improve outcomes for those released…

New gun law is not the Wild West

Tulsa Beacon

Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kim David, R-Porter,  said implementation of House Bill 2597, known as Constitutional Carry, won’t turn Oklahoma into the “Wild West.” “Most Oklahomans won’t notice a difference after the enactment of constitutional carry,” said David, Senate Majority Floor Leader. “Some are using scare tactics and warning Oklahoma will turn…

Safer driving bill

Tulsa Beacon

Sen. Ron Sharp has filed legislation to try to outlaw the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving unless it is with hands-free technology.  Senate Bill 1088 would expand the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015 to try to decrease the number of distracted drivers on Oklahoma roads.  “Currently, texting while…

Port assistance

Tulsa Beacon

State Reps. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, and Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, held an interim study to review critical maintenance issues of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), the impact of the system on surrounding communities, and current and future economic growth plans.  “The reliability of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas Navigation System Channel is…

Syphilis cases in Oklahoma women rose 283% since 2014

Tulsa Beacon

Oklahoma has experienced a 283% increase in the number of congenital syphilis cases in women since 2014. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is already seeing a 92% increase in the number of cases from 2018 to 2019, and is urging health care providers to test patients during the first and third trimesters. Congenital…