Governor Stitt Proposes Elimination of State Income Tax in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared on Fox Business Network that he will eliminate the income tax. Stitt has always supported tax reduction, but this is the first time he has mentioned eliminating the state’s income tax. The governor also wanted to repeal the state’s food sales tax. Stitt is hopeful despite failed efforts to decrease income tax in the past parliamentary session, saying the state has enough cash from other sources and that he does not aim to dramatically increase government expenditure except to help agencies deal with inflation.
Stitt supports a progressive decline to zero income tax or instant removal. He said his ultimate objective is to eliminate income tax. Stitt stated on Fox Business, “Obviously, income tax, we want to get rid of income tax, get that to zero.” When there is a budget surplus, he thinks it makes sense to boost spending or decrease income. He promised to protect fundamental services and return surpluses to the people.
Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no income tax. The policy is not political since these states are not all Republican-led. The Stitts have considered
Source: Governor Stitt says Oklahoma should eliminate state income tax | News | fox23.com
Oklahoma Woman Faces Charges Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of a 3-Year-Old
After her boyfriend found frightening photographs and videos on her iPhone, a 19-year-old Oklahoma woman was charged with various offenses. Midwest City woman Ashlee Cheatham is accused of sexually assaulting and recording a 3-year-old daughter. On August 22, a concerned man spoke with a Stillwater police officer in the lobby, starting the inquiry. Cheatham’s online dater noticed the alarming material on her phone while she was sleeping.
After speaking with Stillwater police and detectives, Cheatham was detained. According to authorities, Cheatham confessed. Child sexual abuse, exploitation, possession of child pornography, internet access to violate Oklahoma legislation, and controlled substance possession are her accusations. All the charges are felonies.
September 11 is Cheatham’s first preliminary hearing. It has shaken the community and stressed the significance of monitoring and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. Stillwater police have not revealed any other facts regarding the case, but more is likely as court processes progress.
Source: Oklahoma woman charged after allegedly sexually abusing 3-year-old
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing and Killing Animals from Local Pet Store
A young guy called Christopher Jameson did something awful in Oklahoma City. He injured the pets from a neighborhood pet business. Due of his actions, many animals died. Christopher now has an opportunity to fix matters with the court. They’ve invited him to a special program. This curriculum will help him comprehend and improve.
The judge has a Christopher plan. His sentence won’t be for seven years if he performs well in the program. He gets a second opportunity. It’s not easy. The court will penalize him next March if he doesn’t complete the program.
Several Oklahoma City residents are discussing this. What happened to Christopher and the animals? Even animal rights activists are following this situation. Popular news station News 9 follows every stage. They’ll inform the city on everything. Sign up to hear more from them. You’ll get news through email.
Source: Man Accused Of Stealing, Killing Animals From Oklahoma City Pet Store Pleads Guilty
Oklahoma Bank and Justice Department Reach Proposed Settlement Over Redlining Allegations in Tulsa
The DOJ and Collinsville-based American Bank of Oklahoma (ABOK) have proposed a settlement over charges that ABOK discriminated against Black and Hispanic Tulsa residents in lending. The Justice Department accused the bank of redlining from 2017 through 2021, notably in communities like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre site.
Redlining is denying credit based on race, color, or nationality. A settlement agreement requiring court approval will oblige ABOK to give $1.15 million in credit to impacted localities. Kristen Clarke, DOJ Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General, noted the agreement’s potential to encourage Black community investment, homeownership, and financial security. She stressed the significance of confronting historical atrocities like the Tulsa Race Massacre.
ABOK accepted the offer to save legal expenses while disputing the claims. ABOK CEO Joe Landon expressed regret for the 1921 murder and promises to expand services in Tulsa, including creating a loan production center in historically Black neighborhoods. The DOJ requires the bank to hire two mortgage loan officers for Black and Hispanic areas, provide financial education seminars, and hire a director of community lending to supervise lending in Tulsa’s minority neighborhoods.
Unveiling the Mystery: The Discovery of a Five-Legged Toad in Oklahoma
The sight of a five-legged toad in Texas County, Oklahoma, shocked Ronnie Martin. The polymelia-afflicted amphibian hopped about Martin’s driveway. “It was moving, he said it hopped off eventually and seemed to be getting around just fine,” Marsha Carter, Martin’s daughter, told Newsweek. Polymelia may result from genetic defects, fetal injury, chemical exposure, or infection. In certain cases, the additional limb is the remnant of a conjoined twin that was nearly completely fused.
Polymelia is unusual and may take several shapes depending on where the additional limb has developed. Cephalomelia (head), pyromelia (pelvis), thoracomelia (thorax), and notomelia (backbone). A 2002 research by the Swiss Universities of Bern and Zurich indicated that just four out of 100,000 calves born globally had this disease. However, toads are less recorded. “I have seen five-legged toads. Rare “Macquarie University toad researcher Rick Shine told ABC News. We’ve handled thousands of toads throughout study. Probably watched it twice or three times.
Source: Mysterious Five-Legged Toad Found in Oklahoma
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Fort Washita’s Historic Trust Placement with the U.S. Government: A Comprehensive Overview
Fort Washita is special in Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma. It recounts ancient tales. The U.S. government made a major decision concerning this location. Put it in faith. Like Tinker Air Force Base and Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Fort Washita is now significant. The Chickasaw Nation keeps it secure, but the government owns it.
Chickasaw Nation and the Interior Department signed agreements to make this happen. Long history at Fort Washita. Bryan County erected it in 1842. It was like a country-border guard post. Chickasaw Nation acquired it 2017. Before this transformation, Oklahoma cared for it.
Here’s the nice part. Although the U.S. government has placed it in trust, the Chickasaw Nation will maintain it. Like having someone monitor your favorite toy while you play with it. Everyone is thrilled because powerful U.S. laws will safeguard the historic fort. The Chickasaw Nation may also ensure its treatment.
Oklahoma School Official Amplifies ‘Libs of TikTok’, Leading to Unforeseen Bomb Threats
Oklahoma Democrats want Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters impeached after contentious social media postings. The hateful and misleading postings prompted bomb threats. Democrats have encouraged the Republican House speaker to examine Walters’ claims because Oklahoma’s children and families’ safety relies on it. Walters shared Libs of TikTok’s arbitrarily cropped video, which prompted the threats.
Union Public School District librarian Kirby Mackenzie uploaded the video. Walters’ retweet removed a caption that gave context, misrepresenting Mackenzie’s remark. Original caption: “My radical agenda is teaching kids to love books and be kind hbu?” I guess I’ll produce one every year till I die or retire from teaching.” Mackenzie also added a heart-shaped emoji. Chaya Raichik’s Libs of TikTok account, infamous for promoting hatred and jeopardizing LGBTQ+ lives, uploaded the cropped video.
The Democrats’ push for an impeachment inquiry appears like a “ready, fire” approach, according to Republican House Speaker Charles McCall.
Source: Oklahoma schools official amplifies Libs of TikTok, bomb threats ensue
Exploring the Low Living Wage in Oklahoma: Insights from a New Survey
The Oklahoma County Courthouse will include Naloxone and Fentanyl testing strip vending devices. Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse services created these drug overdose prevention equipment. Naloxone may reverse an overdose by resetting the brain’s breathing. The Oklahoma Healthcare Authority often restocks another machine, demonstrating its usefulness. While many applaud this, Drew Laboon, an addict, believes the courts may not be the best place for such machines owing to shame and public sight. Laboon accepts the fentanyl crisis’s urgency despite his geographical concerns.
Fentanyl, a stronger opioid than morphine, is a prominent cause of U.S. deadly and non-fatal overdoses. Unknowingly mixing illegally manufactured fentanyl with other narcotics increases its strength and risk. Statistics show fentanyl overdoses climbing since 2017. The CDC recommends fentanyl test strips to avoid overdoses. China and Mexico provide most illicit fentanyl, with Oklahoma seizures rising in recent years. Besides fentanyl, amphetamine and marijuana seizures have increased. Investigations have connected drug trafficking to labor, prostitution, and money laundering. American Addiction Centers stresses the need of medical assistance for fentanyl overdoses.
Source: New survey shows living wage in Oklahoma is low | Community | city-sentinel.com
Tragic Wrong-Way Crash in Oklahoma City Haystack Claims Two Lives
Thursday night’s Oklahoma City collision tragically. The death toll was two. It crashed on I-40 near Pennsylvania Avenue. At approximately 9 p.m. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol suspects a left-lane mishap caused the incident. Instead of passing, they drove in it. A wrong-way driver struck another. Second vehicle spun and struck a large roadside wall.
This collision temporarily blocked westbound I-44. After many hours, it reopened about 12:30 a.m. on Friday. News from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. We don’t know who died. The specifics will follow.
Source: Two dead after wrong way crash in Oklahoma City Haystack
Oklahoma Department of Transportation Releases Labor Day Traffic Guidelines: What You Need to Know
The weekend’s coming up, and the folks in Alexandria better be ready for some real heat! KTUL Staff’s weather expert, Alexandria Tafoya, says it’s going to get hotter. Right now, it’s a comfy 80 degrees. But hold onto your hats! By Saturday, it’ll be a toasty 94 degrees. And guess what? Sunday’s even hotter, at a sizzling 96 degrees.
Because of this heat jump, the local leaders have given out a special heat warning for everyone. They’re telling folks to drink lots of water and try not to be outside when the sun’s at its hottest. And if you’ve got older friends or neighbors? Check on them to make sure they’re okay. If you don’t have a way to cool down at home, don’t worry! The city’s going to have special places called “cooling centers” for people to chill out in.
Alexandria Tafoya wants everyone to listen up. “This kind of heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be risky. Older folks, little kids, and people who aren’t feeling well should be extra careful,” she warned. “When the sun’s blazing, take it easy. Drink water and stay inside if you can.” She also reminded everyone to think about their furry friends. Pets get hot too, so they need cool places and water to drink.
Source: Oklahoma Department of Transportation shares Labor Day traffic advisories | KTUL
Exploring the Surge in Oklahoma’s COVID-19 Cases and the Emergence of New Variants
COVID-19 cases are increasing in Oklahoma, leading to concerns as students return to campus. The Center for Disease Control reported that hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the state surged by 65.5% between late July and Aug. 19. According to Dr. Dale Bratzler of OU’s Hudson College of Public Health, these hospitalizations are mainly among older adults.
The recent spike is attributed partly to the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, mirroring the surge seen across the U.S. in winter 2021. A vaccine booster targeting this variant is expected to be available by the end of September. However, a new variant, BA.2.86, is raising concerns in the medical field. This variant has a high number of mutations that might render it resistant to existing antibodies.
The effectiveness of the new vaccine, previous vaccines, or prior infections against this variant remains uncertain. Although the few confirmed cases of BA.2.86 have shown mild symptoms, more data is needed to understand it better. Dr. Bratzler advises individuals above 60 and those with chronic illnesses to prioritize upcoming booster shots. The CDC recommends that symptomatic individuals isolate for a minimum of five days, as transmission risk is highest during this period.
As students come back to campus, Dr. Bratzler anticipates more COVID-19 cases and urges anyone with cold symptoms to get tested and isolate to protect others, emphasizing that such symptoms could indicate COVID-19.
Source: Oklahoma COVID-19 cases spike, new variants on the rise | News | oudaily.com
Discover the Charm of Norman, Oklahoma: A College Town with Vibrant Bars and Social Scene
Norman, Oklahoma, home of the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Campus Corner, has captivated residents and visitors for over a century. Campus Corner, a 1917 college hub, provides delicious food, unique shopping, and unrivaled college game day experiences.
As a parent of an OU graduate, the writer loves Norman. Lake Thunderbird State Park is a must-see for Norman visitors seeking nature or camping. It’s also worth renting VRBO properties early, particularly during football season.
Exploring the Reasons Behind the Potential Takeover Threats Facing Tulsa Public Schools in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s largest school district, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS), retained its accreditation after a prolonged conflict with State Superintendent Ryan Walters. Walters criticized TPS for low academic performance, poor leadership, and alleged financial mismanagement. He also made controversial claims linking the district’s challenges to “woke ideology”, the use of proper pronouns, and supposed involvement of the Chinese Communist Party in classrooms. Walters wanted the state to take over the district due to these concerns. Amidst the dispute, Deborah Gist, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent, resigned, a day prior to the state school board’s decision on accreditation.
There is a rising political tension over education in the U.S., particularly in Oklahoma, driven by Walters. Walters has enacted rules against certain books in school libraries and mandates around discussions of gender identity. His stance on teaching events like the Tulsa Race Massacre under the state’s law banning the teaching of critical race theory has also garnered attention.
During the state school board meeting, TPS’s status was upgraded to “accredited with deficiencies” from “accredited with warning”, requiring TPS to draft specific action plans and provide monthly progress reports. Walters viewed Gist’s resignation positively but emphasized the need for significant change in TPS. He warned of further interventions if improvements weren’t made.
Several in the community accuse Walters of being influenced more by conservative ideology than by students’ best interests. In contrast, some support his efforts, citing concerns over what is being taught in schools. The board provided TPS with guidelines to maintain its accreditation, and Walters emphasized the need for TPS to address its issues or face consequences.
Source: Why Tulsa public schools are under threats of takeover in Oklahoma | PBS NewsHour
Exploring the Top 10 Best High Schools in Oklahoma as Ranked by US News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report ranks certain Oklahoma public schools as excellent despite the U.S. Department of Education putting them 45th. The 2022-2023 research found that certain schools outperformed others in college and job preparedness, curricular depth, underrepresented student achievement, and graduation rates. Oklahoma school report cards, accessible at oklaschools.com, give a thorough picture of public schools’ performance using data from the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Report cards, which give each state public school a letter grade, evaluate academic performance, growth, chronic absenteeism, English language proficiency advancement, postsecondary possibilities, and graduation rates. The state scored a cumulative C for test scores, B for academic development, and D for chronic absenteeism. It received a B in helping English learners meet language-acquisition objectives, a D in high school completion rates, and a C in early college or job exposure.
The 2021-22 Oklahoma School Report Cards were delayed and unpublicized. On April 20, schools distributed report cards as the 2022-23 academic year neared its completion. The Oklahoma State Education Department plans
Source: Top 10 best high schools in Oklahoma, ranked by US News & World Report
Brave Fire Crews Engage in a Battle Against a Massive Grass Fire in NW Oklahoma City
Northwest Oklahoma City has a big grass fire, according to the OFD. North Pennsylvania Avenue and West Memorial Road sparked Friday, September 1, 2023’s morning fire. The government says three acres of grassland burnt.
The fire is being fought by Oklahoma City firefighters. Workers are fighting the fire at 10:18 am. The fire’s cause will be investigated after containment. Authorities advise citizens to stay away and follow instructions.
Source: Fire Crews Battle NW Oklahoma City Grass Fire
Central Oklahoma Governments Declare Today as Ozone Alert Day: What You Need to Know
The weekend is coming, and it’ll be scorching! We have figures from local weather expert DeAngelo Marquise Vaxter. The temperature is a comfortable 76 degrees. On Saturday, the temperature will soar to 97 degrees. And Sunday? Even hotter at 98 degrees. Vaxter advises to be ready and cool and safe.
Mr. Vaxter knows weather. He’s monitoring a large high-pressure system headed our way. This is heating things up. He said, “High pressure causes hot days. Drink plenty of water, keep out of the sun during the warmest hours, and watch out for our neighbors, particularly the elderly or those without a cooling device.”
Good news, however. City leaders are acting! They’re opening special cool-down places across town. Visit one of these cooling establishments if you’re overheated. And guess what? The municipal pools will be open longer this weekend, so everyone may swim. According to Vaxter, “Hot days like these can be tough, but if we look out for each other and stay smart, we’ll all be just fine.”
Source: Association of Central Oklahoma Governments declares today as Ozone Alert Day | KOKH
Oklahoma Group Takes a Stand: Acting as Decoys to Catch Adults Preying on Minors
Police are investigating Clayton Landreth, an Oklahoma County Detention Center prisoner, for video calling a “fake teenager”. Landreth, who is doing time for trying to meet an underage girl, is suspected of contacting the same decoy from prison. Crystal, the Oklahoma Predator Prevention decoy, targets adults trying to interact with youngsters for illegal motives. Landreth pleaded guilty to using technology to communicate with a youngster for sexual gain.
Landreth asked Crystal to contact her for a video visit using the jail’s pre-paid system. While he did not mention anything sexual during the conversation, he wanted to meet her again, thinking she was a teenager. Crystal and her partner, Russell Goodwin, notified the district attorney and Del City police. The Oklahoma County Detention Center acknowledged Landreth’s video call and said they take such complaints seriously.
The prison encourages the public to report unsolicited calls or texts from inmates. They also want to cooperate with NCIC, a new communications provider, to monitor prisoner communication system use. Del City police are probing Landreth’s recent calls. The
Source: Oklahoma group acts as decoys to catch adults trying to meet minors
Progress in the Search for New Oklahoma County Jail Site
The Citizens Bond Oversight Advisory Board has trimmed their recommended Oklahoma County Jail locations in half, advancing the search. A Wednesday meeting with an hour of public remarks led to this outcome. Several lawyers in the discussion stressed the necessity of being near the courts rather than the airport. Why places near schools were selected was likewise unclear.
Bergen Real Estate’s planned Kelley Avenue and Britton location was controversial. The corporation offered the property for free, but Harding Charter Preparatory High School, which shares a fence line, had concerns. Superintendent Steven Stefanick and other metro superintendents said this would hurt kids. Bergen replied that the new prison system would not enable individuals to walk out, unlike the existing one four blocks from an elementary school.
County Commissioner Myles Davidson said, “After living it and being in that situation with a small child at school at John Rex, Mission 2.0, I know the problem that exists and I will not do that to other people’s kids.” The board removed this location and five others off the list. Despite concerns from the Oklahoma County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association regarding transporting convicts to court, two airport sites remain on the list. In 90 days, architects for the
Source: Search For Oklahoma County Jail Site Narrows
Teenager Arrested Over Tragic Fatal Shooting of 16-Year-Old at Oklahoma High School Football Game
Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson III arrested a 15-year-old kid on August 30, 2023, in Oklahoma City for the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old during a football game at Choctaw High School versus Del City High School on August 25. Spencer suburbia saw the arrest without incident. The boy’s identify is unknown owing to his youth.
The sheriff’s office is investigating an off-duty police officer’s shooting during the event, while Choctaw police are leading the investigation. These officers and one from Del City were in charge of team security.
An dispute between two individuals led to the third-quarter gunshot, although the details are unclear. The off-duty police left a 15-year-old girl with a knee injury and a 42-year-old male with a chest wound, which was serious. The off-duty police are on paid leave until the inquiry is over.
The investigation continues, but Choctaw Police Chief Kelly Marshall is confident in having the main suspect in jail. The slain 16-year-old and wounded man’s ties to the first confrontation are unknown.
Source: Teen arrested in fatal shooting of 16-year-old during Oklahoma high school football game | AP News
South Oklahoma City Church Devastated by Hotwired Excavator Attack
An unnamed person hotwired a neighboring excavator and destroyed pieces of a south Oklahoma City church. The event damaged Jesus Christ Is My Strength Church’s roof, sign, and enormous cross. A neighborhood homeowner phoned the police after seeing the excavator operating in the street, alerting Pastor Juan Diaz.
Diaz feels the culprit targeted Christianity by targeting the huge cross depicting Jesus Christ while leaving two smaller crosses unharmed. “He went right to the great cross, which represents Jesus Christ, God. Diaz stated he didn’t touch the other two, the small ones. The church name sign was also broken on the concrete.
The Oklahoma City Police Department is investigating vandalism. It is too early to ascertain the motivation or whether it is a hate crime. Unfortunately, budgetary restrictions prevent the church from installing security cameras, making the suspect’s identity unclear. Pastor Diaz acknowledged future uncertainty, “I tried to let the people know that we’re here and we need help.”
Source: Church in south Oklahoma City destroyed with hotwired excavator
