News

All Oklahoma counties get SBA loan nod

March 26, 2020

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved the State of Oklahoma’s request for disaster loans for small businesses across all 77 counties who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses and non-profit groups can apply for up to $2 million in loans. Information can be found at www.sba.gov/disaster. “Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size,…

Waivers for federal education tests

March 26, 2020

The U.S. Department of Education tonight approved waivers requested by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to suspend assessments and Oklahoma School Report Cards for the 2019-20 school year. The State Board of Education on March 16 closed all state public schools until April 6 to help reduce community spread of COVID-19. The waivers…

No interest on federal student loans

March 26, 2020

To minimize impact on our nation’s students, the Department of Education is temporarily waiving all interest on federally held student loans. Secretary Betsy DeVos has also directed federal lenders to allow borrowers to suspend their student loan payments without penalty for at least the next 60 days. Stitt announced on March 19 the Oklahoma Tax…

Restricted travel over Mexican border

March 26, 2020

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States and Mexico have agreed to restrict non-essential travel across their border.

Childcare regulations

March 26, 2020

Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has revised guidance for childcare facilities. OKDHS strongly encourages child care facilities to remain open as they provide a critical service for first responders and health care professionals. Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) issued stronger guidance for investigating and cleaning a child care facility where an employee or…

Tulsa courts closed 30 days

March 26, 2020

Presiding Judge William LaFortune ordered the closure of all Tulsa County judicial offices and courts for the next 30 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an order published March 19. The decision to close the courthouse came after an emergency meeting of Tulsa County District Court judges. It notes President Donald Trump issued an…

Tulsa impact

March 26, 2020

Mayor G.T. Bynum on March 17 issued an executive order to close all bars in Tulsa at midnight. Bynum also ordered commercial establishments, hotels/motels, restaurants, food courts and large entertainment venues to close. The executive order applies to places like taverns, breweries, hookah bars, fitness centers, spas, amusement parks, etc. The order does not apply…

Broken Arrow closes some businesses

March 26, 2020

The City of Broken Arrow has shuttered places of public gathering and limited restaurants to take-out options due to the coronavirus pandemic after hearing from Health Department officials. Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond, with the City Council’s unanimous support, ordered the closure of certain businesses and dine-in restaurants at midnight March 20. The first confirmed…

Colleges close campuses

March 26, 2020

The University of Tulsa said students should not return to campus from spring break (last week) and only virtual classes will be offered through the end of the semester. TU students have only restricted access to campus housing. The University of Oklahoma’s Norman and Tulsa campuses will resume online-only instruction after spring break. Graduation ceremonies…

Tulsa banks close lobbies

March 26, 2020

Most Tulsa banks – including Arvest, Mabrey Bank and Bank of Oklahoma – have temporarily closed their lobbies to customers. The drive-throughs are open. FDIC Insurance covers deposits up to $250,000. Bank officials advise the public to be aware of malicious cyber criminals using phishing emails and other methods to tap bank accounts during the…