While incumbents largely kept their seats, Democrat Joe Watkins unexpectedly flipped a state House seat representing parts of Tulsa and Broken Arrow.
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 inArts
Tulsa artist’s pay-what-you-can classes make room for LGBTQ+ creativity — and joy
Mike Ward wasn’t sure what to expect when he launched all-ages Queer Life Drawing classes on a shoestring budget. The overwhelming response has led to new offerings for collages and poetry.
Posted inCommunity Engagement
Where to meet the Tulsa Flyer and The Oklahoma Eagle this week, Oct. 26-30
Our newsroom will connect with the Flyer Book Club and community members at High School Journalism Day.
Posted inEntertainment
Get spooky at Tulsa Botanic Garden this October with three events in one
The garden in far north Tulsa hosts Bands and Blooms, BOOtanical and the Spooky Trail for families to enjoy the Halloween season through October.
Posted inHealth
Construction begins on new labs in Tulsa for foundation created by Oklahoma opioid lawsuit
Oklahoma’s unique opioid settlement with Purdue created an independent addiction research foundation. Seven years later, its leaders are building a headquarters in Tulsa.
Posted inCulture
Photos: Tulsa Pride brings color, community and LGBTQ+ celebration to downtown
Construction couldn’t keep the party from coming to downtown Tulsa. LGBTQ+ people and allies filled the streets for Tulsa Pride.
Posted inCommunity Engagement
Where to meet the Tulsa Flyer and The Oklahoma Eagle this week, Oct. 19-23
Our newsroom will connect with community members at a District 1 forum, a Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences conversation and the first Oklahoma Local News Summit.
Posted inNews
We’ve covered a lot of Tulsa news in our first year. Here are the Flyer and Eagle staff’s favorites.
One year into running a nonprofit newsroom by and for Tulsans, we’ve written hundreds of stories about its people and places. Here’s the ones that stood out.
Posted inCulture
They couldn’t find a space where LGBTQ+ women could make new friends. So they created one.
Terah Williams and Hannah Jackson wanted to build connections with LGBTQ+ women outside of their immediate circles. Queer Women’s Collective was their answer.
Posted inHealth
Regulate or ban? State officials consider what’s next for Oklahoma’s kratom laws
Kratom and its synthetic compounds will likely be a focus at the Oklahoma State Capitol next session, as lawmakers wrestle with how to regulate the addictive “gas station drug.”
Posted inBusiness
Would proposed update to Oklahoma air quality rules clear a path for controversial smelter?
Gentner Drummond has identified concerns with proposed changes to state air quality rules. Environmental officials say they wouldn’t apply to a planned smelter.
Posted inCulture
Construction is moving Tulsa Pride. Here’s what to expect from the 2026 edition.
Construction is moving the free festival to 6th Street and Frankfort Avenue. Find the full schedule and where to meet up with friends in our guide.