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.
The roof of a home in Oklahoma City collapsed following a fire early Thursday morning, according to firefighters.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department says firefighters were called around 2 a.m. to the scene of a fire at a home near Southeast 29th Street and South Shields Boulevard.
After arriving at the scene, firefighters reported flames coming from the home and serious structural damage, including the roof, which had collapsed due to the fire.
Additionally, OKCFD reported this was not the first emergency services response to the home, with a call for medical services being placed to the same address only a few hours earlier.
“We know that earlier today, they’d made a medical call over here,” OKCFD Battalion Chief Greg Lindsay said. “Somebody was staying in that building, so we’re being extra careful to check and make sure that everybody got out.”
No injuries were reported. Fire investigators believe the cause was related to a cooking incident.
TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma Alliance for Animals is searching for additional volunteers for its Dog Walkers Club to help their dogs in boarding explore the outside world.
The organization said anyone with an hour to spare this week or during the upcoming weeks is welcome to come out and spend time with their dogs.
The walks allow each dog to have a fun break from being inside their kennel, while also letting them meet and socialize with new people.
The organization explained, “Not only does it brighten their day, but it also helps reduce stress, improves their behavior and gives us photos and videos that help them get adopted. The dogs who get out, socialize and have people advocating for them are often the dogs who find homes the fastest.”
The organization encourages everyone to come out, including couples, families, retirees and individuals who are looking for a fun way to stay active.
To learn more or to sign up as a volunteer, click here.
To learn more about Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, you can visit their website here.
A man died after being shot late Tuesday night near NW 23rd Street and N Portland Avenue in Oklahoma City, according to police.
Police say the shooting happened around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Officials say one male victim was shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.
No suspect information is available at this time.
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