Construction couldn’t keep the party from coming to downtown Tulsa. LGBTQ+ people and allies filled the streets for Tulsa Pride.
Author Archives: Haley Samsel
Haley Samsel is the story editor at the Tulsa Flyer, where she edits stories for accuracy and coaches journalists on their writing. Haley’s career in journalism began in Washington, D.C., where she led American University’s student newspaper. She felt called back to her home state of Texas, where she reported on the environment before becoming an editor at the Fort Worth Report, the city’s only nonprofit news outlet. During her time as part of the leadership team, the staff was recognized with over a dozen statewide journalism awards. She continues her commitment to nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism that tells human stories at a local level with the Tulsa Flyer.
Posted inGovernment
Oklahoma cleared homeless encampments. A year later, some people are back.
The state spent more than $899,000 clearing camps in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Providers say many people displaced by the sweeps had nowhere to go.
Posted inCulture
New biography explores how boomtown Tulsa shaped a historian father’s vision of America
Daniel Boorstin wrote books that helped define how Americans see themselves and their histories. His son Jon explores the experiences that shaped that work, including his Tulsa childhood.
Posted inGovernment
Broken Arrow asks federal court to dismiss lawsuit over rejected mosque proposal
Broken Arrow denies religious discrimination played a role in the vote and says councilors are immune from being sued. An expert on religious zoning law says the Islamic Society of Tulsa’s case has legs.
Posted inArts
New photo exhibit is a ‘love letter’ to LGBTQ+ Tulsans who keep the city running
Liz Cousins has watched friends leave the city due to safety fears. In “Queer Tulsa,” she tells the stories of 20 who remain and continue to build the LGBTQ+ scene.
Posted inGovernment
After a decade of promises, dirt is moving on $8.3M investment into Tulsa’s Fred Johnson Park
Tulsa officials have long vowed to reimagine the 33-acre park at 61st and Riverside. With money and plans in hand, construction is beginning and should be completed by next year.
Posted inNews
Islamic Society of Tulsa to file suit against Broken Arrow over denied mosque
Tulsa Muslim leaders are hosting a press conference Monday, the same day Broken Arrow councilors will consider paying a law firm $925 per hour to work on litigation related to the mosque.
Posted inCulture
How a Tulsa TV anchor-turned-theater director became America’s reigning ‘president of drag’
Travis Guillory is balancing a day job with the national title of Miss Gay America. His journey to competing as Tracy La Louisianne was an unexpected turn for the former TV anchor.
Posted inGovernment
Who won the June 16 primaries for Tulsa’s Oklahoma House and Senate seats?
Two Republican primaries are headed to runoffs Aug. 25. See who else will be on the November ballot — and who automatically won a seat Tuesday night.
Posted inCulture
Tulsa’s only lesbian bar rose from the ashes and embraced its LGBTQ+ roots
Under manager Val Binkley, Yellow Brick Road Pub’s public profile has surged. A 2022 fire forced the bar to close its doors, making YBR’s rebirth anything but guaranteed.
Posted inHealth
Report: Oklahoma health system performs poorly across all racial, ethnic groups
Health research and policy nonprofit the Commonwealth Fund warns that federal cuts and restrictions to Medicaid and the ACA Marketplace could worsen outcomes.
Posted inCulture
Former NFL, Tulsa football player Tracy Scroggins dies at 56
A native of Checotah, Tracy Scroggins spent a decade playing for the Detroit Lions.