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.
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
You can track Tulsa’s progress on parks projects through new live dashboard
Get the latest details on the new trail or community center upgrade using the City of Tulsa’s tracker for parks projects.
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 inEntertainment
Kels Cooper planned to work in tribal law. Now she’s telling Native stories for the stage and screen.
The Tulsa comedian, designer and TV writer-in-training says there’s no Plan B for her burgeoning career, which includes stand-up gigs and production work.
Posted inGovernment
Stitt orders investigation, possible terrorist designation for Oklahoma Muslim groups
Gov. Kevin Stitt wants Oklahoma’s chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, to be investigated as potential threats in the state.
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 inBusiness
Vesta Realty’s collapse has left tenants unsure who gets the rent — and scared of what comes next
Competing bankruptcy proceedings in two states, a court-ordered management transfer and a cast of characters including a former arms dealer have created what one attorney called the most complicated landlord-tenant situation she has ever seen.
Posted inEntertainment
Stephen Hillenburg, the late creator of ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ to be celebrated in Tulsa
A little known fact about the creator of animated TV series SpongeBob SquarePants: He was a Lawton, Oklahoma native.
Posted inGovernment
Osage Nation closes language immersion school amid financial state of emergency
The Osage Nation executive branch declared a state of emergency Tuesday due to financial shortfalls, closing its language immersion school and visitor center.
Posted inGovernment
‘An American matter’: Islamic Society of Tulsa files discrimination suit against Broken Arrow
Tulsa-area Muslim leaders say they were treated differently than other institutions in Broken Arrow. They point to email communications between councilors as further proof.
Posted inEntertainment
The Church Studio invites audience members into the recording experience with Kalyn Fay
Ticketed audiences can go inside a working studio alongside the musicians and engineers creating the session and listen to every voice and instrument through professional Shure studio headphones.
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.