Here’s a look at the week’s top stories:
Tulsa Mayoral Candidates Discuss Governing a City Sitting on Reservation Land
(OKLAHOMA) The City of Tulsa shares land with three tribes: Muscogee Creek Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Osage Nation- a reality that puts city, state and Tribal leaders in a unique position. The prospect of how to govern a large city on Native land was discussed at great length during a March 25 Town Hall for Tulsa’s 2024 Mayoral candidates, organized by Mvskoke Media, the Riverview Neighborhood Association, the Maple Ridge Neighborhood Association, and the downtown venue The Shrine.
Ryan Walters’ shadow looms over election losses in three Tulsa School Board races
(OKLAHOMA) When John Croisant began knocking doors and talking to voters last August in his bid to remain Tulsa’s District 5 school board representative, he had his pitch locked and loaded. He wanted to end the chaos at the Tulsa school board, which is divided politically and ideologically. He wanted to maintain local control amid threats of a state takeover.
Marvin Keith Stitt, brother of OK Governor Stitt sues City of Tulsa over traffic ticket
(OKLAHOMA) For the Stitt family, the old saying “the shoe is now on the other foot” appears to apply to a lawsuit filed by Marvin Keith Stitt over a misdemeanor traffic ticket from 2021. Stitt is a Cherokee citizen who was issued a traffic ticket for aggravated speeding by a Tulsa Police Officer within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Stitt is the brother of Governor Kevin Stitt, who has faced scrutiny from tribal leaders for his statements that Native Americans who are citizens of federally recognized tribes should not be prosecuted by the jurisdiction they committed a crime in.
ICYMI
VNN “advancing democracy” with dedicated Indigenous election coverage
(OKLAHOMA) Trust is a critical part of effective news coverage, especially during election season. People are skeptical about the news and information they receive, due in part to a rise in sensationalized news and an ever-present lack of representation of underserved communities. VNN Oklahoma is making the case for trusting news with the help of an Advancing Democracy Fellowship during this critical election year.
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WEATHER ACROSS AMERICA
(NATIONAL) A multi-day flash flooding and severe weather threat across the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, best chances for clear viewing of Monday's total eclipse across the path of totality is expected in northern New England, and lingering snow showers over the Northern High Plains will taper off with scattered rain showers expected over the Upper Midwest.
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