UCO's The Vista, Feb. 6, 2024

“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”

Stitt delivers State of the State to a divided audience

Jake Ramsey Managing Editor

Gov. Kevin Stitt delivered his State of the State address on Feb. 5, which was met with protests, discussions over education in Oklahoma, as well as debates between the Oklahoma state government and Native American tribes within the state.

Before the governor began his address, a protest in support of Palestine broke out within the Capitol. Protesters gathered, chanting “Free, free, Palestine, in our lifetime.”

The protest was met with counter-protesters in support of Gov. Stitt and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters. Counter-protesters took to the Capitol chanting, “USA. USA.”

Before the governor began, The Vista, The Oklahoman and The Tulsa World were all barred from entering the press box and watching the event. Instead, the publications watched the live stream on OETA.

Stitt began his address by discussing his hopes for bringing in more businesses to Oklahoma, and making it the “perfect place for new industries looking for a home.”

Stitt credits Oklahoma’s low-cost of energy, centralized location and workforce as reasons why companies should be coming to Oklahoma.

Along with plans to attract more companies, Stitt also discussed expanding the aviation industry in Oklahoma.

“More schools, more innovation, more freedom,” said Stitt in reference to the education changes and introduction of aviation schools in Oklahoma.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters played a role in introducing aviation programs in K-12 grades, and after Stitt’s address, Walters told The Vista, “We are looking to provide more of an opportunity to modify curriculum.”

“To be directly workforce related, you see this a lot in career techs,” Walters said. “We’d love to see that in K-12, specifically 7-12 grade.”

After the discussion on aviation education, Stitt moved his attention to charter schools and colleges.

“Additionally, I want to empower our colleges and our universities to be the very, very best in the nation,” said Stitt. “And to be the best, we need to shift our focus to outcome based higher education models, and stop subsidizing institutions with low-enrollment and low-graduation rates.”

The three major campuses in Oklahoma, those being the University of Central Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University all have shown a dip in enrollment

and graduation rates through the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the official numbers for UCO show that there is a 37.9% graduation rate as of 2023. OU had a graduation rate of 68.3% as of 2023. And OSU had a graduation rate of 67.5% as of 2022.

After discussing business and aviation education within Oklahoma, Stitt would go on to address other hot button issues, such as the current border situation.

“I have been very vocal about my support for Texas and Governor Greg Abbott,” said Stitt. “As they fight to secure our southern border and put pressure on the Biden Administration.”

Stitt went on to say he will continue to offer the Oklahoma National Guard to Texas. As of Feb. 4, In addition to Oklahoma, 13 states are offering their national guards to Texas.

The conflicts in Texas stem from a perceived influx of immigrants into the state. Abbott seeks to pressure the Biden Administration into implementing stricter laws around the southern border.

As well as conflicts within Texas, Stitt also discussed a conflict between the Oklahoma government and tribal nations within the state.

“Today there are tribal governments supporting a woman named Stroble in her lawsuit before the Oklahoma Supreme Court,” said Stitt.

Stroble v. Oklahoma is an Oklahoma Supreme Court case which argues that tribal citizens who live on reservations and work for tribal entities are required to pay state income tax.

This comes after the 2020 McGirt v. Oklahoma case, which was also mentioned by Stitt in his address, which saw the change in jurisdiction on tribal land. As of the 2020 case, the federal

government has jurisdiction over major crimes on tribal land.

Stitt announced that he planned to create a task-force which would establish cross-jurisdiction for law enforcement on tribal lands and within the state of Oklahoma.

“Three years after McGirt, we are still operating under a confusing, conflicting patchwork of jurisdiction across our state,” said Stitt. “It is imperative that we clarify our law enforcement relationships immediately.”

Shortly after the State of the State address, the Cherokee Nation released a statement on Gov. Stitt’s comments.

“Once again, instead of embracing tribes and our culture and economic contributions to the state of Oklahoma,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “The governor treats us as problems that need to be solved.”

Stitt compared Oklahoma reservations to Navajo reservations in Arizona, where he talked about how reservations in Navajo don’t get roads, infrastructure and funding from the Arizona government.

“There are tribal governments who want Tulsa, and eastern Oklahoma to look like the Navajo reservation,” said Stitt.

Stitt claims that the Navajo reservation leaves Native Americans worse off than the system established in Oklahoma.

Stitt ended his State of the State address by calling on all businesses, officials and organizations in Oklahoma to serve God.

“And as I conclude today, I want to declare, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” said Stitt. This deviated from his original script which stated, “as for me and my state.”

For Dreams and People: Black History Month kicks off at UCO

Shanice Hopkins

Contributing Writer

On Feb. 1, the African American Faculty and Staff Association at UCO hosted its annual Black History Month Kickoff in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms at 1 p.m. The event, in collaboration with University of Central Oklahoma’s Black Student Association and the Inclusive Student Hub, featured food and drinks, music, a keynote speech by Councilwoman Nikki Nice, and the presentation of awards.

This month, they collaborated on their Black History Month theme: The Fulfillment of Dreams and People, chosen from a quote by Clara Luper.

“You cannot fulfill a dream without knowing the dreamers,” said Nice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the African American roots in Oklahoma towns.

Keynote Speaker Councilwoman Nikki Nice gave a

speech highlighting the black history of Edmond from the early 1900s to now, including its status as a “sundown” town, a town with a curfew for Black people.

“This will make you consider how we create and establish the impact that was left for us to move forward,” Nice said.

“To me, the fulfillment of dreams is to honor black history and Black History Month. It is important to have the knowledge of the dreamers that came before to honor the legacy of our ancestors who planted the seeds in Edmond for us to be here today,” she said.

Nikki Nice was elected Nov.

6, 2018 to serve as Ward 7’s representative on the Oklahoma City Council. She’s the tenth woman, and the second woman of color, to serve on the Council since the City’s incorporation in 1890. She was re-elected unopposed in 2021. She is a former student of UCO and a graduate of Langston University in Broad-

casting.

Each year, BSA recognizes two outstanding individuals, one student and one faculty or staff member, who has been a supporter of the Black Student Association. BSA presented the Barry Lofton Leadership Award in honor of Lofton’s great influence on the UCO community. This year’s recipient is UCO student Trinity Alford.

They also presented the Dr. Paul Lehman Award in honor of Paul Lehman. This award is named after the first tenured African American professor at UCO. This year’s recipient is Berida Atkinson.

Each year during Black History Month, the AAFSA recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions in service to UCO and its African American faculty, staff and students. AAFSA presented the Dr. Judith Wakefield: You made a difference award. This year’s recipient is Wesley Moreland.

The Black Student Associa-

tion has upcoming events such as their “BSA Gospel Explosion” on Feb. 7 and “Black Girl Magic Conference,” a conference in hopes of providing leadership and mentorship to high school girls, on Feb. 21.

Brittani Killingsworth, president of the Black Student Association, says that Black History Month is a time to celebrate black excellence.

Chris Hendricks, Coordinator for Student Success and Engagement in the Inclusive Community Student Hub and Advisor for the BSA highlights the importance of Black History Month.

“History is the reminder of what we have accomplished and what we may become, how we too can be the ‘fulfillment of dreams and people’ in carrying on our ancestors’ legacies and becoming their dreams manifested. May we all continue to dream and strive to be a fulfillment of dreams and people,” says Hendricks.

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At the Capitol in Oklahoma City, a group of protestors hold signs that demand peace, a ceasefire, and freedom for Palestine. (ETHAN BROWN/THE VISTA)

Weekly Horoscope

March 21-April 19

It might be a good time to stay on top of your social networks! A New Moon in your eleventh house brings fresh starts in connections. Of the Asteroids: Pallas’ position means you could be solving some philosophical problems while Ceres’ indicates some emotions could come up at work. Your song is “Bloomsday” by Samantha

May 21-June 20

Traveling soon? The New Moon in your ninth house is the perfect time to plan Spring Break. Asteroid update: Vesta goes direct in your sign, sharpening your intuition and creative energy. You could see a breakthrough in a close relationship while Pallas and Ceres transit the sky. Your song is “Golden Age” by Video Age.

Look to the stars for love!

This New Moon in your seventh house brings with it the fire of possibility. It’s time to dance as the energy of problem-solving settles easily into your creativity. You may feel drawn to nurture yourself at this time – heed that call! Your song is “Satisfaction” by LABRYS.

LIBR A

September 23-October 2 2

It’s time to party! (Safely.)

The New Moon in your fifth house jazzes it up, making for a weekend where anything is possible. Just remember: you set the tone! Mental math is easier for you to parse now. Keep it up! Your song is “Super Shy” by New Jeans.

November

All signs indicate that something in your brain is going to click into place this week.

The New Moon in your third house boosts intellectual pursuits. Meanwhile, asteroids collaborate to clear the brain fog. Your song is “Krawn the Destroyer” by Sexy Girls.

A New Moon in your tenth house urges you forward in your career. Building a resume, portfolio, or website?

Then you’re already right on time. Blocks on your path are erased this week with asteroid Pallas in your eighth house. It’s your time to shine! Your song is “Can’t Tell If I’m Joking” by Burl.

Mysterious secrets rise to the surface with the New Moon in your eighth house. You’ll be more in touch with your subconscious at this time. Daily habits like sleep and exercise become easier now while a deeper shade of emotion comes out in your close relationships. Your song is “It Gets Better” by Husbands.

VIR GO

August 23- September 22

Time to keep house! The New Moon in your sixth house makes quick work of shifting your daily habits. You’re settling into a new and better rhythm at both work and home with the current Asteroid placements. Your song is “The Great American Picnic” by Being Dead.

This New Moon brings the energy of repainting, family phone calls, and even moving. Looking to the sky for more specifics indicates luck in problem solving with security and money. Meanwhile, a spark of inspiration could lead you down a rabbit hole. Your song is “Angelina” by Pinegrove.

Gleaming opportunity coming soon: the New Moon in your second house collaborates with asteroids to bring you a choice. Ceres pulls you towards self-care; a healthy habit that will help you succeed. Your song is “Affirmations” by Hannah Diamond.

January 21-February 18

This New Moon brings a sense of rebirth and a new beginning for you. Highlights of this week include solving problems with friends and taking care of your heart. Vesta in Gemini makes it easier to think straight and Mars in your sign highlights your drive. Your song is “Storybook Girl” by stepmom.

The New Moon and shifting asteroids bring clarity at work plus a sweet transit where you may feel more drawn to nurture your friendships. Dreams may have extra significance now, so a journal may be a good idea! Your song is “Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson.

Pandemic Passion: students share how dating changed since the COVID crisis

The COVID crisis began nearly four years ago and it changed not only the way we think, but the way we date.

Do you remember when you downloaded Tinder for the first time? With Valentine’s Day on the way, apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and more were on the rise well before the pandemic started, however, these apps exploded into popularity once Americans were forced into staying at home. Hinge grew over 50% in installs and Tinder experienced 42% more matches per member in 2020. On average, Tinder experiences a 2.2% uptick in app downloads in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.

“To some, this sort of withdrawal is an integral part of growth, a pathway to a more enriching life,” according to a study from the Department of Applied Psychology at the University of Toronto.

Americans have been focusing on their own health and wellbeing more than ever as a result of the pandemic. The self-improvement industry is worth over $41 billion and is expected to double by 2032. After millions spent 2020 reflecting in isolation, more people now know what they’re looking for

in a partner, leading to lessened risks of sexual violence, according to Linda Blum, a professor of sociology at Northeastern University.

In-person dating is undergoing a heavy resurgence since statewide pandemic protocols pretty much ended in 2021. But online dating definitely has not ended and will continue to evolve along with the rest of the Internet. As app competitors try to capitalize on the increasingly ‘more-Meta’ world we live

in, Tinder has 80 million users and their growth is not stopping anytime soon.

“I don’t think online dating is going anywhere anytime soon,” said student Adrian Escobar. “Meeting people online is a thing that naturally happens nowadays. People can do whatever they want after they meet, it’s their business.”

Despite the large growth of dating sites, many people are still skeptical about online dating and the dangers it may

bring.

“Luckily, my boyfriend and I met in person at West Hall,” said student Diya Shukla. “I would never go on a Tinder date in private. What if someone wants to catfish me? Or worse, kidnap or kill me.”

After a period of fear and uncertainty throughout the pandemic, people today want to have more fun and are willing to participate in activities that benefit their health.

America’s longest-incarcerated exoneree files lawsuit against Edmond, OKC

America’s longest-imprisoned exoneree filed

STAFF

a wrongful conviction lawsuit on Jan. 26 against Oklahoma City, Edmond and the police detectives involved in his arrest.

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

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Glynn Simmons, 70, spent more than 48 years in Oklahoma State Prison for the murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers in an Edmond

liquor store in 1974, before being exonerated last July. Simmons is believed to have served the longest wrongful conviction incarceration in the United States. Simmons was originally sentenced to death before his sentence was modified to life in 1978. The 1975 judgment and sentence were vacated in July 2023 due to evidence in his trial being withheld from defense attorneys. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, claiming no physical evidence tied Simmons to the crime. Simmons is seeking compensatory damages from both Edmond and Oklahoma City, as well as the estate of former Detective Sergeant David Anthony Garrettand former Detective Claude Shobert totaling $10 million. Simmons was in Harvey,

Louisiana, celebrating the holidays at the time of the murder. The only evidence used against Simmons in the case was the testimony of Belinda Brown, another victim who survived the shooting after being shot in the head. Police interviewed Brown four days after the shooting, while she was in the hospital recovering. The defendants claimed Brown had picked Simmons out of a police lineup. The lawsuit filing claims that Brown’s testimony was fabricated by defendants, stating that Brown had never picked Simmons out in a police lineup and had identified two other individuals, one of which was a true culprit.

UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free.

EDITORIALS

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must

be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.

Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

ADDRESS LETTERS TO:

Editor, The Vista 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209

Or, deliver in person to the editor in the Mass Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to sroyka@uco.edu.

Valentine’s Day can be a lonely time, especially with unsuccessful connections on dating apps that seem to just make people feel more alone. (TESS PETERS/THE VISTA)

Cameron Storck Contributing Writer

Glynn Simmons spent more than 48 years in Oklahoma State Prison. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN/VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Anime classic ‘Wolf Children’ explores a transforming family

Contributing Writer

UCO students have the opportunity to watch an acclaimed Japanese anime film at 5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 9, at the Nigh University Center, where students can enjoy themselves while gaining insight into modern Japanese media.

The free screening of “Wolf Children” will be

held in Constitution Hall. The 2012 animated movie directed by Mamoru Hosoda explores themes of parenthood and loss through the eyes of a mixed mortal and werewolf family. Hosoda established Studio Chizu to produce “Wolf Children.”

“The movie night is a great way to experience a little bit of Japan, “said UCO Japanese Professor Kaoru Burkhalter. “We get all sorts of

students interested in our film showing. The JSA loves it.”

The Japanese Movie Night is hosted by the Japanese Student Association, which hosts yearround campus events based on Japanese culture. The Movie Night is also STLR tagged. STLRtagged events help students develop their college portfolios by attending a variety of enriching on-campus activities.

Opinion: ‘True Detective: Night Country’ is a shot in the dark

The first season of “True Detective” is one of the finest seasons of television ever aired. The acting, direction, writing, characterization, and philosophical inquiry made the first season one of the most distinct and unique shows that aired on HBO. Unfortunately, its success was self-defeating, as the following seasons never quite reached the same heights. We waited in the dark for several years to see what they would do next.

The show flirts with excellence. I’m quite pleased that they’ve decided to go back to the cosmic horror roots that made the show have its distinct flavor, and the mystery is intriguing enough. The creator and showrunner of this

season, Issa Lopez, said she was inspired by Carpenter’s “The Thing,” – this shows. We even see a VHS of the film make a brief cameo in the first episode. I must note the technical aspects of “Night Country” is probably the best part. The atmosphere is suffocating, and the title sequence has an inspired choice for the song with “Bury a Friend” from Billie Eilish, which reflects the cold, desolate atmosphere of this season.

Then there’s the rest of it. Keep in mind, I didn’t want to compare this season too much to the first because I think that’s unfair. Usually people make a fuss when something they love is followed by something that’s not as good. Usually the backlash is insane. We live in a world where all or nothing thinking rules the day, with not much room for nuanced discussion. Howev-

er, nuance is crucial.

While the core mystery and atmosphere is strong, the rest of it suffers. The characters aren’t that engaging, and the dialogue is not very good. I didn’t feel compelled by the characters or their struggles. I understood with the dialogue that they were attempting to go for a hard boiled feel, but silly as it sounds, the dialogue sometimes felt like it was written by a kid who discovered swearing for the first time. People are needlessly aggressive to each other.

“Night Country” is a mixed bag. Some interesting ideas are complemented by serious flaws within its characterization.

UCO Jazz Lab hosts Natalie Syring and Eclipse in concert

Kilian Parsons

A character in cold-weather gear shines a flashlight onto a gruesome scene in the new season of TV series “True Detective: Night Country” (SAM ROYKA/SCREENSHOT)

Britton Summers Reporter

Wolf Childen incorporates traditional Japanese animation styling with a unique flare. In this still, a character lays in a field of flowers. (SAM ROYKA/SCREENSHOT)

Alpha Phi Alpha crowns new winner for Black History Month

was held at 6 p.m. Saturday in Constitution Hall.

Pageant contestants were judged on talent, athletic wear, interviews, evening gown wear, and grade point average.

The winner was UCO junior Astarté Wood, runner up is UCO sophomore Rita Ojene. Winners will compete regionally and then nationally in Alpha Phi Alpha competitions.

– Shanice Hopkins, Contributing Writer

UCO students voice concern over lead

Isabel Contreras

Contributing Writer

Stanley tumbler consumers are showing concerns after claims the company uses lead in their manufacturing process.

The Stanley Quencher Tumblers emerged as one of the most popular consumer products of 2023. According to Forbes, the company earned an astounding $750 million profit from its tumblers in 2023 — a $675 million increase from the year before.

Stanley has since made headlines for its popularity and demand, but this time it is over concerns over using lead in its products’ materials. Several people have taken to social media like TikTok to express their concerns.

A spokesperson for Stanley responded to the claims, confirming that the products contain lead, but that the product would need to be severely damaged to expose the toxic material.

The spokesperson sent a statement to NBC’s “Today,” saying that the bottom of each tumbler is a circular barrier made of stainless steel, which covers a pellet that contains lead. This pellet helps with the tumbler’s insulation and is not accessible unless the barrier comes

off. According to the spokesperson, this is “rare,” yet it could be possible depending on the amount of damage to the tumbler.

Mimi Olsen, a UCO strategic communications major, received a Stanley Quencher Tumbler for her birthday. Olsen had been wanting a tumbler due to its popularity,but recent claims have made her concerned.

“It’s a concern to learn that they have lead in it. because I don’t want to have any health issues from the usage of lead later on in life,” Olsen said.

Olsen has considered switching to Simple Modern, an Oklahoma-founded company. However, she said she wants to keep her reusable cup to focus on sustainability.

“I don’t think it’s sustainable to toss a reusable cup to buy another one unless the level of lead is sustainable enough to make an impact,” Olsen said.

Other students share the same view, including Yesenia Santizo, a UCO nursing major. Santizo said she was unaware of Stanley using lead in their manufacturing process and did not understand the need for it.

“It’s something that makes no sense to me,” Santizo said. “Why use lead? Is it necessary?”

Similar to Olsen, Santizo said she will continue to use her Stanley.

content of popular Stanley tumblers

The popular Stanley tumbler contains a lead pellet that the company claims helps with insulation. (STANLEY 1913/PROVIDED)

However, she will remain diligent about ensuring her safety and well-being.

“If I ever drop my Stanley to the point where it breaks, I will no

longer use it,” Santizo said. “I will also keep checking to make sure there are no cracks at the bottom of the cup.”

The Zeta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated hosted its annual Old Gold Pageant, a $500 scholarship pageant for students at UCO and Oklahoma Christian University. The pageant

Sophomore Rita Ojene was crowned runner-up at the pageant. (AHNEYCIA DEON/ THE VISTA)

Blackburn, Wood and Ojene pose at the close of the pageant. (AHNEYCIA DEON/ THE VISTA)

Oklahoma Christian University student Jhalen Blackburn won the pageant last year and crowned the new reigning queen, Astarte Wood. (AHNEYCIA DEON/THE VISTA)

Junior Astarte Wood was crowned winner at the Alpha Phi Alpha pageant. (AHNEYCIA DEON/THE VISTA)

Robinson

Kelly Clayton

Contributing Writer

statue stolen ahead of Black History Month in Wichita

All that was left on the pedestal at the baseball facility in Wichita, Kansas, was a set of bronze feet. It was an odd crime and without more context, a visitor might not know what they stood for or what they represent.

Those feet, or the ones the statue portrayed, took Jackie Robison to UCLA in 1939, where he lettered in four sports and received All-American honors in football. Those feet marched into the U.S. Army during World War II. Those feet carried their owner through a landmark career in baseball, ultimately being enshrined into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

Most notably, in 1947, those were the feet that stepped onto Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field and broke baseball’s color barrier.

“What Robinson accomplished was simply remarkable. Not only for his athletic prowess, his athletic gifts, his skill, you know, but also for being that man, right there at that moment in history,” said UCO Associate Professor of History Marc

Goulding.

The feet belonged to a statue of Robinson that stood at McAdams Park in Wichita. Surveillance footage taken shortly after midnight on Jan. 25 shows two suspects entering the youth baseball facility and stealing the large statue. The suspects cut the statue off at the ankles, pushed it into the bed of a pickup truck and drove it away from the complex.

At about 8:40 a.m. on Jan. 30, the Wichita Fire Department received a call about a trash can on fire at a park several miles across town, according to AP details. Unfortunately, in the fire was the Jackie Robinson statue—now scorched, in pieces, and unsalvageable.

This unfortunate chain of events started just days before Robinson’s Jan. 31 birthday and less than a week before the start of Black History Month. Was this meant to be a message of racial intolerance, or was it just two people stealing the statue for its scrap value?

If it turns out it was racially motivated, then obviously that is a deeper societal issue, and it certainly would make this a much more concerning theft,” said Bob Lutz,

executive director of League 42, to Heather Hollingsworth of the Associated Press.

League 42, which erected the statue at McAdams Park in 2021, is a nonprofit youth baseball league in Wichita. Its mission is to give disadvantaged children an opportunity to play baseball. The league took its name from Robinson’s jersey number, 42, which was retired throughout all of baseball in 1997. To date, it remains the only number retired across the league.

In response to the crime, numerous entities stepped in to help, including Major League Baseball and crowdfunding campaigns.

Bubble Boy

“The

have committed

toward the cost of replacing our Jackie Robinson statue and providing other means of support of League 42,” Lutz wrote on X.

GoFundMe donations for League 42 have raised more than $180,000, which according to Lutz, will fund the statue’s replacement, facility improvements, and the league’s education initiatives.

“This money pouring in from all over America will help us in many ways, and we’re humbled by the response,” he said.

(MLB) Commissioner’s office and the 30 clubs

funding

A crowd mourn the theft of the Jackie Robinson statue at McAdams Park in Wichita, Kansas. (PHOTO JAIME GREEN/WICHITA EAGLE VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in professional baseball. (PHOTO BILL CHAPLIS/ASSOCIATED PRESS/FILE)

University of Central Oklahoma infielder Ty Chapman (13) blows a bubble during a pitching change for the opposing East Central Tigers on Thursday, Feb. 1 in Edmond, UCO beat East Central 11-1 in their season opener at the 2024 Edmond First Pitch Classic. (ALEX DAWSON/PROVIDED)

Largest Oklahoma earthquake in eight years shakes Prague

Zak Royka Reporter

On the night of Feb. 2 an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 shook thousands of residents and buildings in and around Prague, OK. This is the strongest earthquake felt in Oklahoma since an earthquake in 2016 with a magnitude of 5.8, the strongest in state history.

The United States Geological Survey recorded over 24,000

responses to the earthquake in their “Felt Report” system over the next 24 hours. Within minutes of the quake, hundreds of Oklahomans had flocked to social media.

Brick structures and homes were harmed throughout Prague, however no total estimate in damages is available yet. FEMA recommends people “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during an earthquake as outlined in their Earthquake Early Warning system.

Responding to the event, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Oil and Gas Conservation Division ordered all oil acquisition wastewater disposal wells within 10 miles of the quake to shut down. In 2016 USGS started to categorize disposal wells as an earthquake risk, explicitly pointing to the 2011 Prague magnitude 5.7 earthquake as an example.

This comes after decades of increased seismic activity as point-

ed out by USGS in 2016, most of which can be associated with increased use of wastewater disposal wells, hydraulic fracturing and similar technologies. A 2018 journal article published by USGS titled “Earthquakes induced by hydraulic fracturing are pervasive in Oklahoma” came to the conclusion that “We found 4,499 earthquakes with M ≤ 3.5 [sic] that are best explained as being induced by 274 HF wells.” HF refers to Hydraulic Fracturing,

Stitt signs $215 million rule to build affordable housing and help lower costs

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

Governor Kevin Stitt signed an emergency ruling on Jan. 25 to fund the construction of single and multi-family properties. The measure, carried out by the Oklahoma Housing Program, is designed to increase the availability of affordable housing for both purchase and rent and also includes assistance for down payments and closing costs.

This homebuyer cost assistance is only for those that buy homes built by the Oklahoma Homebuilders Program.

The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency is currently accepting applications.

The emergency rules state that the purpose of the OSHP is to increase the number of homes available and the ease of obtaining a home by providing financial assistance. Their goal is to “remove the barrier to homeownership for Okla-

homans caused by the lack of available funds for down payment and closing costs associated with buying a home,” according to the emergency

rules. Many families still struggle with housing stability or are unable to buy a home even with this help. In other areas, efforts like rent regulation have been implemented to great success. This is considered a state issue.

Los Angeles has just under 80 percent of their properties rent-controlled, which Southern California Public Radio called “very beneficial to tenants” who have been living in one apartment for a long time. The flip side is that those looking for new apartments only have access to market supply, which is often higher-priced due to a limited supply.

In Oklahoma, the creation of rent control laws by city or county is prohibited but allowed at the state level. There are currently no rent regulation laws on the Oklahoma books, so landlords and rental companies can set the rent as they choose (within lease period regulations).

Oklahoma City Museum of Art showcases glass in colorful studio exhibit

Stitt signed this emergency ruling the week before his annual State of the State address. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/ SUE OGROCKI)

This map shows the impact of the earthquake, with differing intensity based on distance from the initial quake. People felt shaking as far as Lawton. (USGS/PROVIDED)

Multiple kinds of colored glass shine. (ETHAN BROWN/THE VISTA)

This modern art spirals up like a flower. (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)

Glass from above casts a glow. (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)

Glass curls. (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)

“Gooch Shaa” (Wolf Woman). (ETHAN BROWN/THE VISTA)

“X’eigaa Kaa” (Warrior). (ETHAN BROWN/THE VISTA)

“Glass on Glass.” (ETHAN BROWN/ THE VISTA)

Toothed sculpture smiles back. (ETHAN BROWN/THE VISTA)

UCO professor praises ‘Flower Moon’ for shining light on Osage murders

Cora Hunter Contributing Writer

Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” achieved commercial and critical success since its release, grossing $156 million worldwide. Brian Twenter at the University of Central Oklahoma talked about the film, projected Oscar success, and his thoughts on how the film represented the Osage culture.

“The portrayal by the Indigenous people is really great. The film is beautiful. The movie is three hours long and you wouldn’t know it, not even for a second,” Twenter said.

“Amazing, really great work.”

Twenter is not a Native American or a member of the Osage Nation, but he teaches Native American Indigenous studies and was involved in the Lakota Native American community during his time earning his Ph.D at the University of South Dakota.

Twenter writes about television and the importance of the visual images of Indigenous people in television.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” has already won Best Film from the New York Film Critics Circle.

“It will most likely win the best Oscar for best film,” he said. He said that an Oscar usually follows the New York Film Critics Circle award. Therefore, he projects that the film will win the Oscar for Best Film on March 10, 2024.

More of the success following the film is from the actress playing Molly, Lily Gladstone, who has won the New York Film Critics Circle Best Actress award. She is also the 2023 winner of the Outstanding Lead Performance from the Gotham Independent Film Award.

Gladstone’s impactful portrayal is a testament to the film’s success in the upcoming Oscars’ season.

Twenter talked about how Indigenous people have been portrayed in film over the years and appreciates how the “Killers of the Flower Moon” is different from other films portraying Native Americans. He said that films still represent Native people as savages to justify that colonizers took the land and this film shows that the opposite is true.

“The way that the federal government, the way that the white people that were in the Osage Nation were murdering them off, they were the people that were uncivilized, they were the people doing horrible savage things to these people who were far more intelligent, who knew more about the land,” he said.

The criticisms that Twenter had for the film was that he thought there should have been more Indigenous people involved in the making of the film. “A good thing Scorsese does in this film is reverse that,” he said.

Twenter said that Scorsese wanted the film to focus on the Osage murders and less on the formation of the FBI, which the David Grann book “Killers of the Flower Moon” focuses on. “The movie brings a lot of perspective about the Osage people and the Osage Nation and about these killings, but it could’ve been so much more. More Osages working on the film. More Osages directing it. And the story could’ve been more about the Osage and all the murders,” Twenter said.

“This is about a hundred of their people (Osage) who were murdered off for their land and for their property and at the end of the day this is about how colonization exploits Indigenous people for their land. It’s about stolen land. That’s what

this movie’s about.

“But the movie that Scorsese and Decaprio and De Niro are profiting off the Osage people discussing how oil people and land people and the government profited off of these people, so it’s the same thing over and over again. See the problem?” Twenter said.

Even in this film, white people are still profiting off the exploitation of the Osage.

Twenter mentioned three books that were written by mixedblood and full-blood Indigenous people that could have been used in the film. The books were not directly from an Osage perspective, but they were from an Indigenous perspective. “Sundown” by John

Joseph Mathews and the book is about the murders, as well as “Mean Spirit” by Linda Hogan, a Chickasaw. He also suggested “The Osage Rose” by Tom Holm, who is an enrolled Cherokee and Creek descendant.

Twenter said to keep filmmakers accountable for how they depict Indigenous people, more journalists and historians should talk to the Osage and collect their history.

And, the Osage should play a major role in that storytelling.

“It’s about who’s writing that history. It’s not so much that you need to be accountable for the history you’re being told, it’s the perspective from which that history is being told,” he said.

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Lily Gladstone plays Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” (APPLE/PROVIDED)

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