Oklahoma
Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Green Country TikTok Influencers Against Potential Ban Of App
The federal House overwhelmingly approved a bill that could ban the social media app TikTok on Wednesday.
The bill would require TikTok to separate from its Chinese parent company or be banned from US app stores in six months.
US House Passes Bill That Could Lead To Nationwide TikTok Ban
Supporters of the bill have national security concerns arguing the Chinese government could force the company to handover data from its 170 million American users.
The company denies they would share data.
“So many people, not only 5 million small businesses, rely on it, but 170 million people rely on this app for more than just their livelihood. They rely on this app for their mental health,” TikTok Influencer J.T. Laybourne said.
People in Green Country who make a living on TikTok are against the proposed ban.
TikTok influencer Katie Harris says not only would a ban hurt her content, but it would prevent her followers from seeing things they may never experience on their own.
Social media influencers are part of a rapidly growing industry.
With nearly 70,000 followers, Tulsan and TikTok influencer Katie Harris says the growth came as a surprise.
“My content is pretty casual. I don’t want it to ever feel like I’m forcing myself to film, and it’s not something I would have already been doing,” Harris said.
Her journey on TikTok began in 2022. She initially focused on daily vlogs before transitioning to highlighting the hidden gems of Tulsa.
“I started posting a lot of things to do in Tulsa because I love Tulsa, and I don’t think a lot of young people know everything amazing that Tulsa has to offer,” Harris said.
Her dedication to showing off her city’s attractions quickly garnered attention.
However, looming legislative actions threaten to disrupt Harris’s creative endeavors and home renovation projects.
“I do all my budgets based on my 9 to 5 job, but the money I make on TikTok currently, I’m basically just pumping back into my house to make more content,” Harris said.
Harris remains optimistic. She says she has a supportive community, and the platform fosters creativity for everyone.
“It’s fun to watch and see other people succeed, so it just kind of helps you boost your confidence and your creativity to keep going,” Harris said.
TikTok’s impact on younger users is a concern for Harris. She stresses the importance of parental supervision and accountability.
“I think most of the issue with TikTok is how it affects children under 18. Just like any app, you need to monitor what your child is watching,” Harris said.
The bill will move to the Senate for a vote. President Joe Biden says if it reaches his desk, he will sign it into law.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — One person is dead after a domestic dispute led to a shooting in southwest Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Police said officers responded to calls about a shooting at a home in the 3700 block of Stable Court near S Mustang Road and SW 44th St in southwest Oklahoma City Tuesday night.
Police said a fight broke out at the residence and moved into the front yard. The suspect shot the victim, who died at the scene.
OKCPD said the suspected shooter is in custody and investigators are currently working to determine what led to the dispute.
Police were unable to provide any details about the suspect or their relationship to the victim.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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Family, friends and fellow Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers will gather in Oklahoma City on Tuesday to honor trooper Vernon Brake, who died in a vehicle crash earlier this month.
Brake served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for nearly two decades and was widely respected as a mentor and leader. Those who knew him described him as a devoted husband and father of two who was deeply involved in his family and community.
Three people, including child and OHP trooper, killed in I-35 crash.
Funeral services for Brake are scheduled for 11 a.m. at Crossings Community Church. The service will include a procession and full honors, including a 21-gun salute.
The crash that killed Brake also claimed the lives of 36-year-old Mercedes Bayne and her 4-year-old daughter, Ariana. Authorities said the fatal incident occurred after Bayne’s vehicle lost control for an unknown reason and crossed the center cable barrier, striking Brake’s vehicle.
36-year-old Mercedes Bayne, who was killed in an I-35 crash along with her 4-year-old daughter, is remembered as a devoted and joyful mother.
A separate tribute ride was held Monday night in honor of Bayne and her daughter. Family members said Mercedes and Ariana will be remembered as the community continues to mourn all three lives lost in the crash.
Friends and family gathered in Oklahoma City for a ride-out and balloon release honoring a mother and her four-year-old daughter killed in a crash on I-35.
NORMAN — Even big time college football players had the same dreams fans do when they were growing up.
For Bowe Bentley, prepping for his first Oklahoma Spring Game as a true freshman, the experience feels “surreal.” He described the shift: “… being in the stands watching all the games but being actually able to play on this field in front of a crowd is going to be pretty incredible.”
With spring practice wrapping up — the Sooners have four more sessions scheduled, with the Spring Game sandwiched between them — Bentley has already grabbed the attention of his coaches in a positive way.
Now, he’s focused on putting on a good show for Sooner fans when he gets his number called on Saturday.
“Just be efficient and move the ball, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Bentley said on Monday. “Just being able to operate an offense out here in front of the fans, just show my athletic ability. I think that’s the biggest thing.”
That’s the answer Brent Venables and Ben Arbuckle want to hear. What about the former high school hot shot who daydreamed about wearing the Crimson and Cream? Especially one who left high school early to earn valuable opportunities in spring as an early enrollee.
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“It’s been a dream. I mean, you kind of think about it during the fall. Obviously, graduating early, you’re gonna kind of roll into it. Kind of get prepared through January, February. But once it hits, it’s rolling,” he said.
Typically, when freshmen arrive for their first run of practices, the game feels like it’s going a thousand miles an hour. Everyone on the field was the best player on their high school teams.
Going from a high school playbook to a division-one playbook might be akin to going from reading a Harry Potter book to The Silmarillion.
Bentley, the Celina High School star, was no different in his adjustments to this new speed.
“I think just going from high school to college, understanding the playbook,” Bentley said. “It’s a lot more than what I’m used to, so it also helps me slow down the game. Understand why we run something. See the defense, it makes my checks easier, my reads easier. So I think that’s the biggest thing is just the speed.”
Of course, it doesn’t hurt the young quarterback’s development that he is going against a Venables-led defense every day.
“It kind of humbled me a little bit to be honest. I don’t think I’ve played a defense like that ever. So you’ve kind of got to settle in. I mean they’re the best defense in the SEC, so being able to go against them helps a lot.”
Bentley’s progress as a backup — maybe the backup — has been and will continue to be something to watch. John Mateer is the entrenched starter and Bentley has already learned so much from him. But competition keeps everyone sharp.
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